Institutional Trader

About the role

Flow Traders is actively seeking an experienced Institutional Trader to join its Asia-Pacific team in Hong Kong, where you will operate at the forefront of their proprietary trading activities. In this capacity, you will own the strategic expansion and daily execution of Japan OTC trading initiatives, driving business growth through direct market engagement. The role requires you to synthesize complex market dynamics into actionable trading strategies while maintaining a sharp focus on profitability and client satisfaction. You will be responsible for cultivating a robust network of institutional investors and market facilitators to ensure sustainable revenue streams. This position demands an entrepreneurial spirit capable of navigating fast-paced environments with resilience and adaptability. You will serve as a critical bridge between internal operational units and external market participants to align strategic objectives. Success in this role will be defined by your ability to leverage innovation and an operational mindset to capture market opportunities.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Spearhead the growth of Japan OTC trading operations by developing business strategies, managing external partnerships, and coordinating with internal stakeholders to ensure seamless execution.
• Assume full ownership of OTC trading lifecycles, including onboarding new counterparties, establishing connectivity, overseeing pre- and post-trade processes, managing OMS account activities, and executing daily sales trading tasks, including the meticulous booking of trades.
• Structure, negotiate, and oversee commercial agreements, acting as a central liaison between internal teams and external partners to guarantee alignment and efficient implementation of trading strategies.
• Develop and sustain deep relationships with institutional investors, ETF issuers, exchanges, trading venues, digital asset counterparties, and other critical stakeholders across Japan to uncover and maximize trading opportunities.
• Provide comprehensive administrative support by coordinating marketing initiatives, organizing key events, managing high-level client meetings, and preparing essential business documentation to facilitate operational efficiency.
• Identify and capitalize on emerging growth opportunities within Japan's ETF and Digital Assets markets, implementing aggressive strategies to drive measurable business expansion.
• Collaborate closely with internal trading, risk management, and middle-office teams to ensure cohesive operations, mitigate risks, and maintain strategic alignment across all departments.
• Monitor real-time market trends and conduct in-depth analysis to provide actionable insights that optimize trading strategies and enhance overall profitability.
• Facilitate the streamlined onboarding of new counterparties in Japan, ensuring all necessary documentation and connectivity are completed efficiently in coordination with internal teams.
• Exercise advanced Excel and PowerPoint capabilities to prepare complex financial models, presentations, and reports that support decision-making processes.
• Utilize the Bloomberg Terminal with expert proficiency to access real-time market data, execute trades, and conduct comprehensive market analysis.
• Act as a primary point of contact for digital asset counterparties, ensuring clear communication and robust relationship management in a rapidly evolving market segment.

Requirements

• Hold a minimum of 5 years of cumulative experience in financial markets, with a proven track record in sales trading, mid-office roles, or positions specifically related to ETFs and digital assets.
• Demonstrate absolute proficiency in both English and Japanese through professional communication and negotiation capabilities.
• Exhibit a solid, in-depth understanding of ETF market structure, liquidity dynamics, and intricate trading mechanisms to effectively manage institutional flows.
• Maintain basic knowledge of digital assets and their underlying market frameworks, including regulatory considerations and custody solutions.
• Bring extensive experience working within the Japanese financial markets, including a comprehensive grasp of local regulatory practices, business etiquette, and client relationship expectations.
• Show strong operational capabilities with an acute attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in all documentation and execution processes within a Japanese business context.
• Provide a proven history of building and sustaining long-term, trust-based relationships with institutional clients, ETF issuers, and exchange representatives.
• Display the ability to efficiently facilitate the onboarding process for new counterparties, managing all necessary coordination with internal compliance, legal, and operations teams.
• Highlight excellent teamwork skills, with the capacity to collaborate effectively with diverse internal departments such as trading, risk, and compliance.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, and the Bloomberg Terminal, utilizing these tools to perform at the highest level of operational excellence.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with digital asset trading practices and market microstructure would be a distinct professional advantage.
• Direct experience within a proprietary trading environment, particularly one driven by high-frequency strategies and rapid execution.
• Knowledge of quantitative trading strategies and their application in fast-moving market conditions.

Practical notes

• Flow Traders offers a competitive salary package along with annual discretionary bonuses.
• Employees enjoy comprehensive health insurance, access to Flow Academy for continuous learning, daily catered meals, wellness programs, and additional perks.
• Opportunities for global office rotations are available, providing avenues for career advancement and professional development.
• Please note that Flow Traders does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment or staffing agencies. Any resumes submitted without a valid search agreement will be treated as free to contact by Flow Traders without any obligations.