Quantitative Analytics, Research & Trading professionals use mathematical and statistical techniques to analyze financial data, markets, and instruments. Data scientists, quant portfolio managers, programmers, and developers are constantly in high demand in the financial industry, as they help to optimize trading strategies, price securities and derivatives, and manage various types of risk. Quants work across a variety of firms, such as banks, hedge funds, insurance companies, consulting firms, and software companies.
But where are the best places to work as a quant? Offering insights to quants considering potential relocation opportunities, and hiring managers looking to attract talent, here are five cities that offer attractive career moves for quantitative analysts, researchers, or traders, based on factors such as average salary, job availability, and quality of life. These are:
London London is one of the worldโs leading financial centres, and home to many global banks, asset managers, and hedge funds. It is also a hub for innovation and research, with prestigious universities and institutions such as the London School of Economics, Imperial College London, and the Bank of England. The average salary for a quantitative analyst in London is roughly 240% higher than the national average. London also offers a rich and diverse cultural and social scene, with countless attractions, events, and activities to enjoy. Our latest Salary Guide for Europe covers compensation for a number of roles in London. | New York New York is another major financial capital, and the headquarters of many prominent Wall Street firms, such as Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley. Prop trading firms and hedge funds are also heavily concentrated in New York and need quants to develop complex mathematical models for revenue generation. It is also a center for academic excellence, with renowned universities such as Columbia, NYU, and Cornell. New York is also known as the city that never sleeps, with endless options for entertainment, dining, shopping, and nightlife. For insights regarding salary expectations in New York, download our latest Salary Guide, which provides valuable salary and compensation benchmarks to help guide you with your job search or career planning. | Hong Kong Hong Kong is a dynamic and fast-growing financial hub in Asia and a gateway to the Chinese market. It hosts many international and local banks, securities firms, and hedge funds, as well as the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, one of the largest and most liquid in the world. Hong Kong also offers a vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle, with a mix of Eastern and Western cultures, and stunning natural scenery. Demand for quants is growing, with us observing a 24% growth in quantitative recruitment vacancies in Hong Kong YOY. Looking for hiring insights and Salary Guides? Download our latest APAC Quantitative Analytics, Research & Trading Salary Guide for more information. |
Singapore Singapore is another leading financial center in Asia, and a regional hub for wealth management, fintech, and innovation. It attracts many global and local financial institutions, such as DBS, UBS, and Credit Suisse, as well as the Singapore Exchange, one of the most advanced and efficient in the world. Singapore also boasts a high quality of life, with a stable and safe environment, a diverse and harmonious society, and a tropical climate, and the city is seeing growth in quantitative analyst jobs, and again here at Selby Jennings weโve seen a 19% uplift YOY for quants open vacancies. | Chicago Chicago is the third-largest city in the US, and a major financial centre in the Midwest. It is home to many prominent financial firms, such as Citadel, DRW, and CME Group, as well as the Chicago Board Options Exchange, the largest options exchange in the world. Like New York, it is a major hub for proprietary trading firms as well. Quants vacancies increased by 10% after joining the top 10 global financial centers earlier this year. Chicago also offers a rich and varied cultural and recreational scene, with world-class museums, theatres, sports, and music. | Contact Us If you are looking for your next challenge in Quantitative Analytics, Research & Trading, browse our latest roles on our job search page. Or, you can upload your resume and we will contact you as soon as we have a role that matches your qualifications and experience. |
Quantitative analysts have many exciting and rewarding career opportunities in the financial industry, and can choose from a variety of cities that offer different advantages and challenges. Whether you prefer London, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Chicago, you can find a place that suits your professional and personal goals. Take a look at our current Quantitative Analytics, Research & Trading roles here.