Derivatives Operations to Trading - Seeking clarification

Hi All,

I am new to WSO and thought I would seek clarification to the doubt that has been clinging on to my mind for some time now. I would be joining a BB (GS/MS) in their Derivatives Operations. My job description reads - "Ensuring all the trade economics, pay-off profiles (complex maths formulas) and pricing factors are correctly captured in the product valuation. Identifying material risks with respect to modelling and booking methodology deficiencies as well as discrepancies with the trade documentation. Proposing booking, model and documentation amendments and co-ordinating the implementation of enhancements. "

The preferred set of qualification for this role is - "Mathematical / Financial Engineering / Engineering degree".

The Doubt - I realize that its not a FO job. But given the fact that this role would help me strengthen my product knowledge across all asset class and give an idea of the risk boking systems that the banks use, would it be possible for me to jump to trading after few years?

I see some people had mentioned in their previous post that they are aware of few traders who started off in Derivative Operations. Also, I would want to know how easy/difficult would this transition be? I understand networking helps. But I guess it cannot help to an extent that you get jobs in FO. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Modest

6 Comments
 

GS is very good about moving people around, so bust your ass and it should take a year or two. The rest of the companies I don't know about. Are they sponsoring you for and licenses?

Get busy living
 

isn't GS ops in Utah, and wouldn't that hinder his ability to network and move into FO?

You give me a gift? *BAM* Thank you note! You invite me somewhere? *POW* RSVP! You do me a favor? *WHAM* Favor returned! Do not test my politeness.
 
1man2nvisn't GS ops in Utah, and wouldn't that hinder his ability to network and move into FO?
Jersey City has many, if he's stuck in Utah then I have no idea
Get busy living
 
Best Response

Modest.. I too will be starting at a top BB in Derivative Ops, and will be busting my ass to make the switch after a year or two.. Best of luck..

From the advice I have gotten on this forum: definitely possible, be the top Analyst in Deriv Ops.. don't forget to do well in current job while you are looking ahead to trading.. network like crazy with the traders, not about models and bottles but rather about ideas/processes/intelligent questions

Do well, and at performance review time in a year or so, make some noise about moving

Good luck

"Major in economics; use your economics degree to get an analyst job on Wall Street; use your analyst job to get into Harvard or Stanford Business School; and worry about the rest of your life later"
 

Aside from networking, the most important thing is to step outside of your job description and go out of your way to try to make processes better/quicker/more efficient. Go up to your boss and be like "hey I realize XYZ is done really poorly and takes so long. I figured that we could do it this new way. I'd like to lead the project on this if possible. Doing this will also help you network better, as you'll likely be working with traders to help implement new things.

 

Doloremque repellat est rerum enim rerum. Voluptas delectus placeat ut dolorem sunt facere aut. Vel ut similique commodi distinctio. Ipsa animi nobis quasi expedita incidunt. At minus consequatur non nam numquam velit atque quod. Impedit suscipit in ea voluptatem. Vel nemo enim neque.

Sint ut quia asperiores omnis. Amet vel rem tenetur voluptatem. Ex harum reiciendis voluptas perspiciatis est possimus.

Qui voluptatem sed et odio eligendi. Placeat sunt quis et sunt facilis rerum ex. Ratione reprehenderit quaerat accusamus. Labore dolorem natus quibusdam incidunt sunt. Impedit modi ut at non et impedit.

Rerum libero quia odit placeat sapiente et. Facilis incidunt ipsum nihil porro voluptate blanditiis. Maiores aut similique laborum dicta provident.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.2%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.6%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (43) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (75) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (65) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”