24 Comments
 
miermierHey guys, So I was wondering how do IB traders make money? From my understanding, prop shop traders just invest the firm's money, while IB traders execute client's orders? If so, how do they make money?

Commissions...

MM IB -> Corporate Development -> Strategic Finance
 

IBs also have proprietary trading desks. However, they have been winding down these operations due to regulations passed on risk taking post 2008.

"Well, you know, I was a human being before I became a businessman." -- George Soros
 

But doesnt that make the job extremely boring, since you're just executing client's orders? what kind of independence do you have?

 
miermierBut doesnt that make the job extremely boring, since you're just executing client's orders? what kind of independence do you have?

You are such a cunt. A nobody comes along and labels execution trading as boring. I was about to help you, but this just sealed the deal.

CNBC sucks "This financial crisis is worse than a divorce. I've lost all my money, but the wife is still here." - Client after getting blown up
 
Working9-5
miermierBut doesnt that make the job extremely boring, since you're just executing client's orders? what kind of independence do you have?

You are such a cunt. A nobody comes along and labels execution trading as boring. I was about to help you, but this just sealed the deal.

For Christ's sake calm down. It was a question, not a statement. I didn't say it was boring, I simply said that my understanding of the job, at that point, led me to conclude that it was boring. After I got replies, I certainly don't think so anymore. There is no need to start acting like a prima donna during that time of the month.

 

Traders are in charge of whatever securities the bank holds. When a sales guy brokers a transaction, the trader executes them. They are in charge of giving bid/ask to the sales guy who then gives it to the client. They protect the bank by making sure securities aren't sold at a loss and trying to make money off the spread. Ultimately they are responsible for the P&L (profit and loss) for the banks securities.

"I know you think you understand what you thought I said but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
 

I am not completely sure, but most traders are market makers/brokers. Handling the flow of clients. Flow can be taken on the book or traded out on the market. Some of the flow is basic eg equity and some of the flow is more complex like variance swaps. As trader it is your duty to trade these products, pricing them and managing the risk of your book. I do think some banks do make risk trades, more like prop trading even though it is prohibited.

 

I wouldn't worry about it, you're at no risk of ever becoming one.

Under my tutelage, you will grow from boys to men. From men into gladiators. And from gladiators into SWANSONS.
 

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