What is your day to day job?

I am a trader in derivative tax products, involved in exchanging 'Swaps': For example, I pay a fixed interest rate when dealing in Euros, in order to make returns from the floating Euro interest rate (or any other currencies). There are two main aspects to my work: firstly, I develop a model in real time, which allows me to estimate any future changes of derivative products according to a certain amount of given information. Then, using the model, which I have created, I exchange the swaps. I rarely take direct risk on a product. I generally cover the exchange of one product with that of another.

It is an intense job, in which I must carry out a maximum number of operations, whilst taking the least amount of risk.

What are the main attractions of your job?

The principal attraction of the job would have to be its versatility. I work in a team of three traders, which allows for a flexible and versatile framework. The markets are continually changing and we have to adapt and change with them. Thus we have to remain flexible in order to adapt to financial events, such as the introduction of the Euro for example.

In addition to this, the fact that we are organised as part of the BNP Paribas network, means that I work with traders all over the world, may they be in London, New York, Tokyo. Indeed it is not uncommon at all that a trader in Paris is replaced by a trader in London or New York or vice versa.

What is your academic background and what qualities are required to be a trader?

I have a degree in Applied Quantitative Methods from the Ecole des Mines in Paris. The majority of traders have scientific or mathematical backgrounds, which is not unusual, as this job requires a distinct aptitude in mathematics and finance.

It is necessary to bear in mind that, to succeed in this job, one has to have a highly logical mind. This is a pre-requisite when coming to understand what we do and how to react to the intricacies of the market in an appropriate way.

What is the conventional career path for a trader?

I first came to trading after having completed a work placement in Tokyo on the trading floor. Trading is a position usually occupied by young graduates. After a few years a trader can either stay on the trading floor or turn towards corporate finance, going into General Inspection, a service that is right at the heart of the BNP Paribas Group.

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