Derivatives Program Analyst

As a Derivatives Program Analyst at Global Atlantic Financial Group, you will be responsible for building tools to enhance trading efficiency, improving internal reporting of the derivatives portfolio, and supporting the trading desk with tasks such as trade setup and booking across various instruments like rates, equities, and FX. Additionally, you'll develop pricing models and manage collateral needs, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of cross-asset trading and risk management practices.

To qualify for the Derivatives Program Analyst position at Global Atlantic, candidates should have an undergraduate degree, with a quantitative advanced degree being preferred. Although 0-3 years of professional experience is acceptable, familiarity with interest rate, equity, and FX derivatives can be advantageous. Strong quantitative skills, analytical abilities, and programming knowledge in languages like R, Python, SQL, or VBA are essential for success in this role.

A successful Derivatives Program Analyst at Global Atlantic needs to possess strong quantitative and analytical skills along with excellent written and verbal communication capabilities. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SQL, or VBA is crucial for building and maintaining tools to enhance trading efficiency and reporting practices, allowing you to make a meaningful impact in the derivatives team.

The work environment for a Derivatives Program Analyst at Global Atlantic in New York is collaborative and fast-paced, situated in the vibrant Hudson Yards area. This role typically involves being in the office 4-5 days per week, allowing you to cultivate relationships with your colleagues while engaging in critical trading desk activities and enhancing the overall efficiency of the derivatives portfolio operations.

Working as a Derivatives Program Analyst at Global Atlantic can open numerous career growth opportunities. As you develop your skills in derivatives trading, risk management practices, and quantitative analysis, you may progress into more senior roles such as a derivatives trader or risk manager. The company is committed to employee development, encouraging continuous learning and professional advancement within the organization.

In your answer, focus on defining derivatives, such as options, futures, and swaps, and explain their role in managing risk and speculation in financial markets. Highlight how derivatives can be used to hedge against potential losses or to enhance returns, demonstrating your knowledge of the product and its utility.

Be specific about your experience with different types of derivatives such as interest rate swaps, equity options, or FX forwards. Explain the contexts in which you used them, your roles in their implementation, and any outcomes or benefits realized through their use, emphasizing your hands-on experience.

Discuss your methods for conducting quantitative analysis, such as statistical techniques and modeling tools. Provide examples of how you've interpreted data to drive decisions or improve processes within a project, showcasing your analytical skills relevant to the Derivatives Program Analyst position.

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your response. Detail the problem, your role in identifying it, the steps you took to remedy the situation, and the positive outcomes that followed, highlighting your problem-solving skills and initiative.

Emphasize your proficiency in programming languages like Python, SQL, or VBA. Provide specific examples of how you have used coding to automate processes, analyze data, or enhance trading efficiencies in your past experiences, aligning your skills with the requirements of the Derivatives Program Analyst role.

Discuss your strategies for maintaining accuracy, such as cross-referencing data, using validation checks, or implementing systematic review processes. Highlight the importance of attention to detail in finance and how this trait has helped you succeed in previous positions.

Talk about your experience with tools like Bloomberg, Tableau, or FIS/Front Arena. Provide examples of how you have utilized these tools to create insightful reports, visualize complex data, and effectively communicate findings to stakeholders.

Discuss the correlation between market conditions (like interest rates, volatility, and economic indicators) and how they influence trading strategies in derivatives. Offer specific examples of past experiences where you adapted trading strategies in response to changing market dynamics.

Illustrate your time management strategies, such as setting clear priorities, establishing deadlines, and leveraging organizational tools. Reference any specific experiences that required you to effectively balance multiple tasks or responsibilities in a high-pressure setting.

Share your passion for derivatives and the financial markets, discussing aspects such as the complexity of products, the dynamic nature of trading, or the analytical challenges they present. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the Derivatives Program Analyst position at Global Atlantic.