Indian high-speed trading companies provide entry-level positions with salaries reaching Rs 12.5 lakh, as reported.
In the dynamic world of finance, high-frequency trading (HFT) is making significant strides in India's equity derivatives market. Despite a regulatory crackdown and a drop in trading volumes, this sector remains one of the world's largest and most profitable. Recent months have seen an increase in investments by HFT firms, yet the search results do not provide comprehensive information on these strategic steps. One such firm, Jane Street Group, was temporarily barred from India's stock and derivatives markets in July, accused of market manipulation. However, Jane Street has denied the allegations and is seeking to reverse the order. The average base salary for finance professionals in India stands at approximately 700,000 rupees per year, as reported by Glassdoor. This figure is set to rise further as HFT firms increase salaries for entry-level positions. For instance, IMC Trading offers interns up to Rs 12.5 lakh ($14,182) a month in 2025, a threefold increase from the previous year. Quadeye follows suit, offering up to 750,000 rupees per month for fresh recruits, marking a 50% jump from last year. The competition to attract top-tier traders, quant researchers, and trading system engineers is intense. Daniel Vaz, co-head of quant and trading technology recruiting at Aquis Search, stated that the demand for profitable traders is as strong as ever. Aquis Search receives inquiries to set up new desks almost every month. Established players like Citadel Securities and Tower Research are making significant investments in the Indian market, despite the crackdown on Jane Street. Newcomers such as The Bilakhia Group, a company involved in healthcare and education technology, are venturing into the HFT space. Bengaluru-based Optimus Prime Securities & Research is also expanding its HFT operations. Brokers providing HFT services, such as Estee Advisors and iRage Broking, continue to see a steady flow of companies entering this segment. Sandeep Tyagi, founder of Estee Advisors, stated that interest in India's trading sector remains robust and is expected to grow further. In the year leading up to March 2024, the Indian market generated $7 billion in gross profits from proprietary trading desks and foreign funds. This substantial figure underscores the market's potential and attractiveness to HFT firms. The Indian equity derivatives market, with its significant profits, continues to be a significant source of revenue, despite the challenges it faces. In conclusion, the HFT sector in India is experiencing growth and competition, with established players and new entrants vying for a share of the market. The demand for skilled professionals in this field is high, and salaries are on the rise. As regulations evolve, it will be interesting to see how this sector continues to shape India's financial landscape.
