Trading

LOOKING FORWARD TO LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

At a glance

  • Entry criteria - a 2:1 degree plus a minimum of 360 UCAS points or international equivalent
  • Our U.S, Asia-Pac, London and Mumbai programmes are now closed. If you would like to be considered should any places become available at a later date, please complete our expression of interest form.
  • Closing date for Continental European applications – 4th May, 2010
  • Locations – London, US Stamford, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and Mumbai. 

Few places are more pressurised than the trading desk. But if you are sharp, quick-witted and strong with numbers, this is one of the most exhilarating careers the financial markets has to offer.

RBS is one of the world’s premier trading houses. We are a leader in foreign exchange and highly active in a whole range of different markets including equities, derivatives, and interest rates.

In their market making capacity, our traders buy and sell financial products with the aim of making an incremental profit on each trade. They also execute deals in line with client strategies and help clients to manage their risk and investments. It’s a fast-moving role, and a trader’s day could include everything from pricing and structuring trades to managing existing positions. A trader’s success hinges on their ability to anticipate and adapt to movements in the market.

In the first year of our graduate programme, you can expect to be pricing deals, and contributing to discussions about market events. You’ll shadow our senior traders and learn all the factors involved in making a trade. In particular, you will learn how to take well-informed and calculated risks. Once we’re confident you have the requisite skills, we will allow you to start performing your own trades.

What we look for
Exceptional numerical and analytical skills are an absolute necessity. If you have studied a maths-orientated subject, this will be a distinct advantage. A proven interest in the financial markets is vital, and you’ll need to have the mental resilience to handle pressurised situations.