Prop Trading Firm vs BB Trading

I currently have a few offers outstanding for some prop firms in APAC and BB's for a grad job starting in 2021. I have offers from three prop-firms (think Optiver, VivCourt, IMC, Jane Street, etc etc). However I also have an offer from a top BB firms (think Goldman, Citi etc). Which one is more prestigous, and which one will I make more money in?

 
Most Helpful

Comment by WSO Monkey Bot points toward useful links. In your position, I would not hesitate and would pick a prop trading firm, especially if it is a top one as the ones you mentioned. Not only will you get paid more, you will also have less compliance to deal with, less bureaucracy, you will be able to pick responsibilities quicker, work with brighter people, have fatter bonuses (although maybe longer hours), enjoy better perks, don't wear suits and deal with stupid corporate mindset, etc.

The only drawback of joining a prop trader is that the name will be less known out of the industry, so if your objective is to switch to a completely different sector or doing an MBA or whatever in the next few years, you should maybe consider the banks for the big name they carry. Otherwise, pick prop trading.

 

if u got Jane Street, go to Jane Street above all. lower turnover, great pay. if you didn't and got optiver, go to optiver. great pay, relatively high chance u get axed but it's a solid brand name.

besides that it's a wash i think. choose based on risk tolerance and pay at IMC. BB depends a lot on the desk, although I'm assuming it's a fairly quant position given where u got offers.

 

Quo tempore odio numquam ipsum praesentium sequi. Qui accusamus molestiae ut aperiam maiores deleniti. Possimus velit ut nesciunt possimus non quia.

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $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
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
5
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
8
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
9
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
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...”