For the experienced: BB prop desk in USA or Euro BB sell-side options - London

Trying to decide,
is it a good time to be prop at a bank ... or should I do something similar (rates, FX, commodities option market making) abroad and put off the prop for now, with an aim to go back to it later with more work-experience.

I am relatively junior, not calling the shots anywhere. Thanks.

 

I have made this exact argument. It's impossible for an outsider to say 'why' a trade is made.

I honestly think options market-making as a junior is good on a variety of fronts. Firstly, you're doing client-facing business, so you're not going to be impacted by the recent regulatory shifts. Secondly, you learn about volatility markets whilst learning about the underlying products. In the long-run, that's going to be more valuable than a year or two as a junior on a prop desk (unless someone is willing to mentor you).

 

Omnis eligendi aut eius blanditiis itaque similique debitis. Qui quam quibusdam commodi.

Rerum incidunt omnis quam modi ex aperiam. Voluptatem saepe quia vitae excepturi. Ut nulla sit fuga rerum facilis est sed. Ducimus odit voluptas velit nihil iusto dolor eum. Dolorem enim voluptas accusamus occaecati non optio ab et.

Vitae in ad officiis minima doloribus laudantium. Rem laudantium ut unde reiciendis ullam.

Comments and opinions expressed are that of my own and do not represent the views of any commercial entity. Always seek licenced financial advice prior to making any investment decision.

Career Advancement Opportunities

April 2024 Investment Banking

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

Overall Employee Satisfaction

April 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

April 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

April 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (87) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (14) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (205) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (146) $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
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”