All Options is a specialized proprietary trading firm based in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and Austin (Texas). Alessandro and Leonardo are both traders from the Amsterdam office. Alessandro is part of the Quant Trading team, where he grew into a desk manager role in less than two years. Leonardo is trading the large caps since he recently joined in September 2023. Together, they’ve answered some questions to help aspirant traders gain insights into their work at All Options.

Interview With Leonardo and Alessandro

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

Alessandro, a quant trader at All Options, shares, “I’m from Italy, and I studied Mathematical Engineering in Milan before moving to Amsterdam in 2022. My journey to All Options is deeply tied to my passion for both sports and analytical environments.” Whether it’s cycling, running, or organizing social activities, Alessandro’s life is as dynamic outside the office as it is within.

Leonardo, who joined All Options in September 2023 as a Graduate Trader, brings a unique background in Maritime Engineering and Quantitative Finance. He notes, “I currently work within the Large Cap team, and what drew me to All Options was the growth opportunities and the entrepreneurial spirit here. It’s a place where taking initiative is truly encouraged.”

How did you end up in trading at All Options, and what factors led you to choose All Options over other trading firms?

Alessandro’s path to trading was shaped by his academic background and a passion for the financial markets. “During my studies, I developed a strong interest in quantitative analysis, which naturally led me towards trading,” he explains. When it came to choosing a firm, Alessandro was drawn to All Options for its “collaborative and innovative working culture,” which aligned perfectly with his values. Plus, as he humorously adds, “the office in the heart of Amsterdam is obviously no punishment to work either 😉.”

For Leonardo, the journey began with a friend’s recommendation. “After going through the interview process and speaking with one of the traders, I knew All Options was the best fit for me,” he shares. The firm’s expansion into the US and the focus on personal growth were key factors in his decision. “The entrepreneurial spirit here really appealed to me,” he emphasizes.

What was your experience of the Graduate Program?

Reflecting on his experience, Alessandro describes it as “intense and challenging, but ultimately very rewarding.” He admits there were moments of stress due to the steep learning curve, but the camaraderie among colleagues made it all worthwhile. “I had the privilege of meeting some amazing people who not only became great colleagues but also mentors and even friends,” Alessandro says. If given the chance, he’d do it all over again without hesitation.

Leonardo found the Graduate Trader Programme to be both “fast-paced and detailed.” He appreciated the firm’s hands-on approach, where traders quickly transition from theory to real market trading. “At All Options, we don’t use simulators because we believe the best way to learn is by doing—and making mistakes,” Leonardo notes. The opportunity to rotate through different desks allowed him to discover his strengths and refine his trading style.

What does a trader’s day look like?

“No day is the same,” Alessandro says of his time at the quant trading desk. His typical day starts at 8:00 AM, ensuring all algorithms are running smoothly. As the market opens, his focus shifts to managing positions, coding, and brainstorming new ideas. “The day is a mix of managing positions, coding, and discussing new projects, all while keeping an eye on market activity,” he explains.

Leonardo’s day begins with market preparation, including reading the news and analyzing upcoming events. “Throughout the day, you’re busy managing your positions and spotting new opportunities that arise in the market,” he says. Innovation is a key part of the job, as traders are encouraged to come up with new ideas and implement them.

Can you explain the difference between a Screen Trader and a Quant Trader? And how do they work together?

Alessandro draws a clear distinction between the two roles: “As a screen trader, you’re constantly interacting with the market, reacting in real-time to market movements. In contrast, quant traders like me spend more time developing and refining models, analyzing data, and working on long-term projects.” While screen traders make frequent, immediate decisions, quant traders focus on strategic, data-driven choices based on in-depth research.

How would you describe the overall working culture at All Options?

“The overall working culture at All Options is very collaborative and dynamic,” Alessandro shares. He highlights the importance of teamwork, where supporting each other and sharing knowledge are core values. “For me, working at All Options means being surrounded by passionate and intelligent colleagues every single day. It’s a workplace where innovation thrives, and we don’t take ourselves too seriously, which means we also have a lot of fun together!”

Leonardo agrees, describing the culture as “positive and meritocratic.” He adds, “We work together across desks and collaborate on a daily basis. Everyone really enjoys what they’re doing, and we also have a lot of fun on the trading floor.”

To be a successful trader at All Options, what skills do you think are needed?

Alessandro believes that success in trading requires a genuine passion for the financial markets and a strong sense of teamwork. “You need a high level of motivation to thrive in our fast-paced and sometimes demanding environment,” he says. He also emphasizes the importance of humility: “Being open to feedback and acknowledging mistakes is crucial for continuous improvement.”

Leonardo adds, “First and foremost, you need to be a real team player. The ability to communicate clearly and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment is essential.” He also highlights the importance of mental arithmetic, critical thinking, and analytical skills.

What are your current goals within the firm?

Alessandro has clear goals within All Options: “I want to continue to grow as a desk manager, develop my leadership skills, and support the success of my team. Additionally, I’m focused on developing innovative strategies to generate significant profits—after all, we’re here to make money as well 😉.”

Leonardo’s goals revolve around innovation and continuous learning. “I want to help the company with new innovations and projects, and also learn from the markets and my colleagues to become a better trader every day,” he shares.

And apart from work… what kind of outside activities does All Options organize?

“All Options organizes a variety of activities to build team spirit in an informal setting,” Alessandro says. Regular Friday drinks, monthly celebrations, and a strong sports culture are just a few examples. “We have our own ‘Ball Options’ football team, and even though our trading-winner’s mentality hasn’t quite shown on the football field yet, we keep pushing! We also celebrate events like Carnaval and Kingsday together.”

Leonardo adds, “Every month, on the third Friday, we have a team drink, and we organize various other activities, including team outings for all our employees. It’s a great way to unwind and connect with colleagues outside of the trading floor.”

What advice would you give to students interested in a career in trading?

Alessandro advises students to build a strong foundation in probability and statistics and gain practical experience by actively engaging in trading. “Start by trading with a small amount of money to see how you feel about winning and losing,” he suggests. He also emphasizes the importance of embracing a competitive mindset: “Trading is fast-paced and dynamic, and being competitive will push you to excel and stay ahead of the market.”

Leonardo’s advice is to immerse yourself in trading, whether by developing strategies, learning practical options theory, or attending career events. “It’s important to understand the field from the inside. There are different types of firms. By attending career events, you can figure out which firm could be the best fit for you, both in terms of career opportunities and cultural fit.”

Work at All Options

Interested in a career at All Options? They are hiring in both Amsterdam and Austin. Have a look at their company profile for the current job openings.