The Best Cities for Quantitative Trader Jobs

Quantitative Traders (Quants) are at the heart of modern finance, using data insights, statistics, and mathematical models to identify market trends, assess risk, and guide investment decisions. These highly skilled professionals play a pivotal role in hedge funds, banks, asset management firms, and financial consultancies, where their expertise in data and analytics drives profitability and strategic decision-making. 

While Quant trader jobs are one of the most lucrative roles in the business sector, demand is higher in major financial centers where their intricate knowledge of market data can be used by hedge funds, banks, asset management companies, consultancy and investment firms. 

If you’re an established Quant looking to relocate, broaden your job prospects and progress your career, here are five of the best cities that could offer the solution.  

New York  

New York continues to hold the title as the world’s top financial center, making it a prime location for Quantitative Traders. With an unrivaled international presence, the city is home to the world’s largest and second-largest stock exchanges—the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Nasdaq. These exchanges are integral to global trading and financial activity, and they provide abundant opportunities for Quants. 

As the financial home for multinational giants like JPMorgan & Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley, New York offers unparalleled access to top-tier institutions. The city’s Wall Street district is renowned for housing thousands of hedge funds, which manage a third of the world’s hedge fund assets. Leading players such as CITIC Capital, BlackRock, and D.E. Shaw & Co. are based here, positioning New York as a major hub for quantitative finance. 

Beyond finance, New York is a tech powerhouse, with industry giants like Apple and IBM headquartered here. The continuous influx of venture capital and the relocation of big tech companies create a thriving ecosystem for Quants interested in blending finance with innovation. 

New York is an exciting, dynamic place to advance your career in quantitative finance. If you’re ready to explore the many opportunities available, download our Quantitative Analytics, Research Salary Guide for a comprehensive overview of roles in the city. 

London

London, like its US counterpart, is a global leader in finance and a prime destination for Quant Traders. The city boasts a rich history of finance, and its status as one of the world’s top financial hubs makes it a perfect place for Quantitative Traders to thrive. With major players like JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank headquartered here, London offers unmatched access to the heart of global finance. 

The presence of the Bank of England and the London Stock Exchange—one of the largest stock exchanges in Europe—provides a solid foundation for Quantitative Trading professionals. The city’s strong infrastructure also supports a range of industries where Quant expertise is in high demand, from insurance giants like Aviva to cutting-edge pharmaceutical companies like AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. 

London is a major epicenter for financial technology, and with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and machine learning across sectors, the demand for Quant Traders has never been higher. August 2024 figures showed that the UK is home to 34 of the world’s largest hedge funds, with 32 of them based in London, including top firms like Millennium and Citadel. 

Furthermore, the city's vibrant tech scene—boasting companies such as Google, Apple, and Amazon—creates additional opportunities for Quant Traders interested in combining finance with technology. London also offers prestigious educational institutions like the London School of Economics, ensuring a continuous flow of top talent to the industry. 

If you're a Quant Trader looking to take your career to the next level, now is the perfect time to explore the exciting roles we’re currently hiring for in London. Take a look at the opportunities and see how you can make your mark in this thriving financial hub. 

Hong Kong

Hong Kong ranks as the fifth most influential financial center globally, offering a prime location for Quants looking to access Asian markets. As a critical gateway to China and one of the world’s most connected financial hubs, Hong Kong provides unparalleled opportunities for Quantitative Traders to make an impact on global finance. 

The Central District serves as Hong Kong’s financial core, home to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and major multinational banks, including the Bank of China and Hang Seng Bank. The city is also home to over 420 hedge funds managing nearly $91 billion in assets, more than the combined total for Singapore, Japan, and Australia. 

Beyond traditional finance, Hong Kong is a major hub for multinational tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, offering Quants the chance to integrate finance with technology. The dynamic nature of Hong Kong's markets and its strong position in banking, asset management, and capital markets make it an exciting city for career progression. 

Ready to take the next step in your Quantitative Trading career? Explore the roles we’re currently hiring for in Hong Kong and join this thriving financial hub. 

Singapore

Singapore is a major global leader and fintech center, making it the perfect location for Quantitative Traders looking to advance their careers. As the financial hub of Southeast Asia, Singapore offers unparalleled access to the region’s fast-growing economies. With its robust financial infrastructure, thriving economy, and government-backed innovation initiatives, this dynamic city presents numerous opportunities for Quants. 

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) is a key player in global finance, with businesses listed across sectors like real estate, finance, shipping, and oil. Singapore’s three distinct business districts—Central Business District (CBD), East CBD, and West CBD—offer diverse environments for Quant professionals. The CBD is the city’s financial and commercial heart, home to major industries such as banking, finance, retail, and logistics. It is also where you'll find Raffles Place, housing over 100 banks and financial institutions, including notable names like Indian Bank and Vistra Trust. 

In addition to traditional finance, Singapore has become a global hub for FinTech innovation, with more than 1,600 FinTech firms transforming industries from wealth management to personal finance. This thriving ecosystem offers a wealth of opportunities for Quants with a passion for technology and data analytics. 

The East CBD is a hub for technology and aviation companies, while the West CBD focuses on the green economy and sustainability-focused businesses. Whether you're interested in finance, tech, or sustainability, Singapore’s diverse economy ensures there is no shortage of exciting career paths for Quantitative Traders. 

If you’re ready to take your career to the next level in one of the world’s most innovative financial hubs, explore the roles we’re currently hiring for in Singapore. 

Chicago

With financial roots dating back to the mid-19th century, Chicago remains a major financial hub today. As home to the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), now part of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) Group, the city plays a central role in global markets, especially in commodities and futures trading. 

Alongside Hong Kong and Singapore, Chicago is at the forefront of the shift towards data-focused strategies, positioning the city as a key location for Quants looking to capitalize on these innovations. With a strong emphasis on data analytics, Chicago offers abundant opportunities for professionals in the field of Quantitative Trading. 

The city is also home to over 400 major corporations, including global giants such as Hyatt Hotels, Boeing, and Aon. Illinois itself hosts more than 50 Fortune 500 companies, and Chicago has firmly established itself as a leader in risk management, IT, manufacturing, and healthcare. Chicago ranks in the top 5 for hedge fund managers, holding 2.7% of global hedge funds and 4.2% of hedge funds in the USA, making it a thriving environment for financial professionals. 

The Chicago Loop business district is a hub for major commercial banks, wealth management providers like CIBC, and well-known firms such as McDonald's, Amazon, and Deloitte. This mix of financial powerhouses and innovative companies creates an ideal ecosystem for Quantitative Traders looking to grow their careers. 

Chicago’s financial status, combined with its pioneering approach to data-driven strategies, offers an exciting landscape for Quants seeking to make an impact in the industry. 

Contact us  

If you're a professional looking to take the next step in your Quantitative Trading career, we invite you to explore the exciting opportunities we currently have available. By reviewing our open roles, you can find positions that align with your expertise and career goals. Alternatively, if you'd prefer a more tailored approach, you can upload your resume to gain exclusive access to upcoming roles in our pipeline. This ensures you're considered for positions that may not yet be advertised, giving you a competitive edge in securing your next opportunity.