Graduate Trader Programme

Maven Securities is a leading proprietary trading firm that leverages sophisticated technology and quantitative analysis to trade global financial markets. We specialise in options and derivatives market making, where you can apply your skills to make a real impact.

At Maven, we believe exceptional careers are built deliberately. Our graduate programme is designed for a small number of high-potential individuals each year, combining comprehensive training, real responsibility and long-term development. We don’t hire large classes with the expectation that only a few will succeed; we invest in every individual who joins the team.

Programme details

• Location: Amsterdam
• Programme start date: Monday 6th September 2027
• Application deadline: Tuesday 20th October 2026

You’ll begin with a structured 11-week training programme in London, designed to prepare you for a career in options market making. The initial phase focuses on building the technical foundations, trading judgement and desk understanding needed for the role. It will also help you build working relationships with your UK counterparts, including fellow graduates on the programme and more senior stakeholders.

Following the training period, you’ll return to the Amsterdam office and move on to desk placements. Here, you’ll continue to develop through hands-on experience in live trading environments. The programme is designed to prepare you to transition to a dedicated trading desk.

What you will be doing

• Learn the foundations of options market making
• Build your understanding of pricing, probability and risk
• Apply your learning through trading simulation, mock trading and classroom-based training sessions
• Gain exposure to the tools and systems used on the desk

How and what you will learn

• Progress through a structured onboarding programme with clear learning milestones
• Build your foundations through theory-led training, including options theory, delivered by Maven’s in-house trainers
• Develop practical trading skills through simulation and mock trading sessions, building your understanding of screen-based and broker trading
• Start live trading within your first eight weeks of joining the programme, taking on increasing responsibility with support
• Receive ongoing feedback, coaching and check-ins from the Trading and Emerging Talent teams

Who you are:

Key criteria

• A final-year undergraduate or master’s student, or a recent graduate
• Strong numeracy skills and a solid understanding of probability and statistics
• A genuine interest in financial markets and a curiosity to learn
• A willingness to adopt and utilise emerging AI technologies

We’re looking for someone who is

• An entrepreneurial thinker with the ability to generate ideas, take the initiative and drive innovation
• A critical problem solver and decision-maker who can analyse situations, think clearly and make effective decisions
• An agile learner who is able to quickly acquire knowledge, respond to feedback, adapt and apply insights across different contexts
• Able to synthesise information, resolve conflicting inputs, see the bigger picture and translate complex information into actionable recommendations
• Collaborative and influential, able to build trust, work effectively with others and have a positive impact on the team
• Results-focused and accountable, taking ownership and delivering outcomes reliably

Why Maven?

• Dedicated in-house trainers: Learn through a training programme designed and delivered by Maven’s traders, built specifically for the graduate trader role. Our tailored curriculum is led by in-house experts and covers both technical and professional skills, as well as guidance on adopting AI best practices, which are integral to Maven’s strategy and daily operations
• Accelerate your career: Every permanent colleague receives a dedicated learning and development budget, full access to our online learning platform and frequent training sessions led by our Maven experts
• Proven pathways: Benefit from our structured pipeline programmes, which are designed to set you up for success from day one. The majority of our heads of trading desks came through this programme, some in as little as two and a half years
• Supported to succeed: We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone can perform at their best. We offer recruitment support where needed, as well as employee resource groups that help build community across the firm
• Grow with guidance: Enjoy regular feedback, structured review points and informal off-desk chats. Everyone in our Emerging Talent Programmes is also paired with a Maven buddy for practical advice and day-to-day support
• Make a real impact, fast: From the start of the programme, you’ll be embedded in the trading environment and learn directly from traders. Following the initial training period, you’ll work in a trading environment in which you could realise your ambition to build and lead desks very early in your career

Please note:

• We accept only one application per candidate, per recruitment cycle
• Visa sponsorship is available for selected roles, please see our FAQ page for details

Maven is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of background or identity.

---

Benefits at Maven

As a graduate joining Maven, you’ll be eligible for a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days’ annual leave, plus eight Dutch bank holidays
• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity, paternity and partner’s leave, adoption leave and fertility leave
• Pension contributions and consideration for a discretionary annual bonus
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, a confidential service designed to support you in dealing with personal and professional issues that may affect your home or work life, health or general wellbeing
• An annual learning and development budget, alongside wider training and development opportunities
• Frequent cohort-specific and office-wide social events, from welcome dinners and team bowling to boat tours and end-of-programme celebrations
• Free breakfast and lunch served daily in the office, plus drinks and snacks throughout the day
• Work in a forward-thinking environment where AI is integral to our strategy and daily operations