Do you truly own the trading desk?

Hi WallStreetOasis,

Me again, settling well into my trader role in an IB. I’m now the lead book runner of a FX product. Given the green light on pricing, prop positions ( within risk of course ) and research directions.

I can see myself doing this for another few years. My question is this. For those who stayed as the book runner of a product in an IB, did there come a time when you felt that you TRULY own the book like you do your own business?

I put a lot of hours into my work. I would like to avoid the trap of giving my time away to an investment bank that I don’t truly own. Is there a different feel of satisfaction in building your own hedge fund from the ground up? Would a formulaic bonus payout and stock options give me more ownership of the business?

Cheers, Nijikon

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