The organisation
What Optiver does
Optiver is a proprietary trading firm and one of the world's leading market makers. It trades options, ETFs and other derivatives for its own account and provides liquidity on exchanges around the world, which means it continuously quotes prices at which others can buy and sell. The firm was founded in 1986 on the floor of the Amsterdam options exchange and grew from there into a global technology-driven trading house.
In the Netherlands
Optiver in the Netherlands
Amsterdam is Optiver's birthplace and largest office, on the Strawinskylaan on the Zuidas. It is one of the reasons Amsterdam is a major European hub for proprietary trading, alongside firms like IMC and Flow Traders.
Structure
Divisions and where you work
The work centres on three closely connected groups: trading (traders who manage risk and prices in the market), research (quantitative analysts who build the models and strategies) and technology (engineers who build the low-latency systems). Optiver is known for how closely these teams work together.
Getting in
How students start here
Optiver hires through internships and graduate programmes for traders, researchers and engineers. Selection is intensive and typically includes numerical and mental-maths tests, so strong quantitative skills matter more than a specific degree.
Key facts
At a glance
- Type
- Proprietary trading / market maker
- Head office
- Amsterdam
- Founded
- 1986
- Ownership
- Private
Related
Relevant finance paths
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Optiver
What does Optiver do?
One of the world's leading market makers, trading options and other derivatives for its own account.
How do I get an internship or graduate role at Optiver?
Optiver hires through internships and graduate programmes for traders, researchers and engineers. Selection is intensive and typically includes numerical and mental-maths tests, so strong quantitative skills matter more than a specific degree.
Which finance career paths are relevant at Optiver?
At Optiver, the most relevant finance career paths are Trading.
Where is Optiver based in the Netherlands?
Head office: Amsterdam.
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