Prop Trading - Commodities?

Hello guys,

I am currently an agricultural commodity trader at ABCD type of firm. I am thinking of getting into the prop trading industry but I am not sure if my background is a fit as commodity trading is quite different. I am also not from a quantitative background. I have seen that most people have recently applied to notable prop firms like Jane Streets, Flows, Optiver etc, but they seem to be the most CHALLENGING to get in as well. I also believe that they prefer someone from a quantitative background. Would like to ask if there is any prop trading firms with a commodity trading desk? How difficult would it be to enter these firms?

16 Comments
 

If you want to join a multi-manager as a PM you're going to need a serious strategy and track record. 

As an analyst you'll have to demonstrate that your research process can add serious value to an existing team. Citadel certainly do have an ags team - suggest you use your network to get in front of them. If you are indeed a trader at ABCD, brokers should be willing to help you out with an intro.

On the prop trading side you are essentially going to be re-starting your career. Aside from the basics of futures and options there is very little crossover between what a sophisticated prop shop is doing and the paper desk at ABCD - they are light years apart. If you're serious about this path my advice would be to seriously upgrade your technical/quant skills otherwise you don't really have a chance.

 
Most Helpful

Caporegime

If you want to join a multi-manager as a PM you're going to need a serious strategy and track record. 

As an analyst you'll have to demonstrate that your research process can add serious value to an existing team. Citadel certainly do have an ags team - suggest you use your network to get in front of them. If you are indeed a trader at ABCD, brokers should be willing to help you out with an intro.

On the prop trading side you are essentially going to be re-starting your career. Aside from the basics of futures and options there is very little crossover between what a sophisticated prop shop is doing and the paper desk at ABCD - they are light years apart. If you're serious about this path my advice would be to seriously upgrade your technical/quant skills otherwise you don't really have a chance.

Thank you for your message, you gave me a good idea of what I should be doing. I believe that multi-manager isn't what I am exactly looking for, a career option at ABCD would offer more opportunities in the commodities industry compared to multi-manager. I am in fact trying to move over to prop trading side. I'll also take your advice to upgrade my technical & quant skills thoroughly till I apply for the job. Thanks! 

 

NuclearTrader

They (JS, Optiver, Flow, etc.) don't give a shit about your background honestly, they just care about how smart you are. Not coincidentally, most smart people come from a quantitative background. I'm sure they'll give you a shot at the mental math tests with your background. 

Thank you for the inspirations! I will definitely give it a shot to JS, Optiver, Flow - but they are indeed very competitive so I will not get my hopes too high up. Do you by chance know a lower-tier but still great kinda prop firm which is easier to get into? not the bucket shops though..

 

Itaque explicabo harum et recusandae enim numquam. Iure perspiciatis adipisci rerum ea sint aliquid. Velit qui natus corrupti ullam consequatur. Quasi minima velit sed ut dicta. Voluptatem quod sint non dolores velit placeat maxime.

Qui voluptas vero sint impedit. Doloremque dolorum magni aperiam amet. Commodi vero perspiciatis necessitatibus ea consequatur dolores praesentium. Porro voluptatem itaque excepturi molestiae incidunt vel aut maxime. Et corporis nisi aspernatur quidem similique.

Career Advancement Opportunities

May 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.2%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.6%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

May 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 97.0%

Professional Growth Opportunities

May 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.2%
  • JPMorgan No 97.6%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

May 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
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
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...”