Broking
Interdealer brokers sit at the crossroads of wholesale financial markets, facilitating the flow of liquidity in both over the counter (OTC) and exchange transactions between commercial and investment banks and other major financial and non-financial institutions around the world. The vast majority of financial asset classes only exist in the OTC environment and consequently the efficient functioning of these markets is essential for the free flow and availability of capital, the mitigation of risk and investor choice. Access to a broker therefore offers clients significant economies of scale in terms of price discovery by having a number of professionals covering each product and being in constant contact with a range of counterparties. Deals may be transacted through traditional voice brokers, matching buyers and sellers on the phone, or through a variety of electronic trading platforms. The secret to success is to provide electronic platforms where there is demand for them and to bring technology as close to the voice trading activity as possible to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This hybrid model keeps the voice and electronic liquidity pools together.
ICAP covers a very broad range of financial products and services in interest rates, credit, commodities (including shipping), foreign exchange, equities and equity derivatives and we are active in both established and emerging markets.
An interdealer broker does not take a position in the market itself. While broking is high-energy, competitive and rewarding it doesn't have some of the elements of stress that trading does. Most appealing is that a broker doesn't take a risky trading position home at night - when the markets close and deals have been done our involvement is over and we start with a clean slate the next day. Having said that work does carry on in some form whether it's attending a sporting event or having dinner with a client, this gives you the opportunity to get to know them and understand their needs better.
Who we are looking for
Interdealer broking is all about building and maintaining strong, professional relationships with clients and so you'll need to be a natural networker with outstanding interpersonal skills. You'll need a genuine interest in financial markets and a strong academic record. This exciting, dynamic and ever changing environment will require you to think on your feet and react quickly.
We have a range of full-time and internship opportunities in our broking divisions depending on your region. For more information on current roles available and deadlines please visit the vacancy search engine at Apply Now.
