Our Graduate Programmes are currently not open to new applications, however you can register your interest for our 2025 intakes here and a notification will be sent when they open for applications in the New Year. 

 

We Are Mako

Mako is a leading options market maker with a global trading footprint. It has been at the forefront of options market making for 20 years, from the open outcry trading pits to screen trading and automated algorithmic execution strategies that are driving the future of the industry.

From offices in London, Amsterdam, Singapore, Sydney, Brisbane and Chengdu, Mako offers the best in class liquidity solutions across Equities, Fixed Income, Commodities and FX derivatives markets and prides itself in its entrepreneurial, collaborative and philanthropic culture.

For further information on the Mako Group please refer to our website: www.mako.com.

 

Graduate Trader Programme

Mako’s Graduate Trader Programme is an immersive and structured programme specially designed to give our graduates the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and experience of the industry and options markets. The holistic programme runs for an 18- month period and covers the markets in which Mako operates as well as fundamental option theories and risk processes.

 

What we need from you

A trader can come from any background and there are many ways to solve the problems they face, but what all successful traders have in common is an ability to make logical decisions under pressure and to be able to react quickly to changing circumstances. Additionally, we are looking for:

• An ability to demonstrate a competitive edge; Mako is a very collegiate environment, but the market is not.
• An enthusiasm to learn about our business and make your own mark
• A very high demonstrable level of mathematical ability.
• Programming ability - e.g. familiarity with VBA and Python.
• An upper second-class degree in an STEM based subject or equivalent.
• Options theory is not required but is desirable.

 

Work in a Real-Time Trading Environment

From the outset, Graduate Traders are introduced to our dynamic trading environment and are assigned stimulating and interactive projects to build upon their knowledge and understanding.

You will initially complete our specially designed rotational training programme to teach you about all aspects of trading and will then be assigned to the desk which best suits your skillset and approach to trading.

 

Learn From Highly Experienced Traders

As a Graduate Trader you will be working closely with our Senior Traders, giving you the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced in the business. In addition, you will participate in classes covering a rigorous syllabus of options theory and attend regular mock floor-trading sessions in a collaborative and unique environment.

 

Rotate Across a Wide Range of Product Areas

Graduate Traders rotate across different desks giving the added benefit of exposure across the markets in which the market making team operates. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain an understanding across a wide range of products.

 

Add Value

Innovation is key to our business and Graduate Traders have the opportunity to add value from the outset. Mako's structure encourages a culture of exploration, challenge and learning.  Working on various projects throughout their rotations and having access to a wealth of knowledge across the business. This is the ideal environment for sharing knowledge and generating ideas to drive our business forward.

 

 

Graduate Software Developer Programme

 

A Unique Programme for Aspiring Developers

Mako’s Graduate Developer Programme is an immersive and structured programme specially designed to give our graduates the opportunity to develop in-depth knowledge and experience of the industry. As a graduate you will be a part of a structured training program that will include rotations through our Software team as well as formal training such as desk rotations. As a new hire to our business, you will be assigned a mentor, and following an initial training period have the opportunity to work on meaningful tasks that plug directly into our trading system.

 

Work in a Fast Paced Real-Time Developer Environment

From the outset, Graduate Developers are introduced to the team and its duties. Our low latency derivatives trading system are written in-house. It is implemented in C++ and runs on Linux.

The development team is responsible for designing and implementing all aspects of our proprietary trading algorithms, pricing models, user interfaces and exchange connectivity to most major derivatives venues.

 

Learn From Highly Experienced Developers

As a Graduate Developer you will be working closely with our Senior Developers, giving you the opportunity to learn from some of the most experienced in the business. Programmers on these teams collaborate closely with traders, hardware and support teams. The teams are pragmatic and self-organising, delivering work iteratively. The teams follow best software practices, including unit testing, continuous integration and peer review

The individuals that make these teams up are problem solvers who are knowledgeable, collaborative, motivated and friendly, reflecting Mako’s values. The wider organization is supportive and collaborative – technology is at the centre of what we do.