CFA for S&T Derivatives Trading?

Currently a junior in college. I have a Sales and Trading internship coming up this summer at a top bulge bracket bank.

My goal is to rotate on and receive a return offer from a options/vol trading desk. My primary interest is equity derivatives, but I would also be very interested in rates, fx, or credit vol.

I’m considering signing up for the August or November CFA L1 exam and I’m curious how much this would help me in a derivatives trading career. Especially since the CFA does cover certain things that don’t matter whatsoever for options trading.

Thanks

 
Most Helpful

I have seen some quants do CFA and FRM later in their career when they are handling hundred million dollars portfolios but these ppl have MSc or Phd in STEM when they are starting out. I personally think that's just because they are curious....a talented person who is recruited by MAN or Citadel out of college might do a CFA or FRM out of curiosity ....its easy for them.....this topic has been discussed a million times on this forum. CFA is for asset management and FRM is for risk management. 

 

Ya makes sense. I think it’s a bonus for people who didn’t study finance in undergrad. I’m specifically curious on how it could help for vol desks in S&T though.

 

it's overkill if you want to apply knowledge to your vol desk. You will learn too many things that you won't use on this job. Sounds like you're generally more interested in vol trading? If so read sheldon natenberg option volatility. The basics of vol trading across products are simiar, which is all about the greeks and their relationships with each other. 

 

Could be useful if you want to transfer to buy side, and it may be a talking point with some clients, or give you some insight into how clients look at things. It probably won't be super useful for learning the day to day activities on a sell side trading desk.

 

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