Quantitative Analyst

Job Description

About Us:

VALR is Africa's largest crypto exchange by trade volume, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. Serving over 1 million users globally, including 1,100 corporate and institutional clients, we’re licensed by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa, with additional approvals to offer services in Europe and initial approval from Dubai's VARA.

VALR distinguishes itself with a customer-first philosophy, delivering secure, transparent, and innovative solutions for both professional and retail traders.

Our Vision

Our vision is to create a world where finance unites rather than divides. Our name, derived from the word "valour" without distinction between American and British English, symbolises our commitment to universal values of courage, ethical integrity, and the intrinsic worth of every human being. These values drive us to design a platform that breaks down financial barriers, making it as seamless to send value across borders as it is to send an email.

Our Mission

At our core, we’re a values-driven exchange, dedicated to building a financial ecosystem that serves all of humanity. We believe in simplifying the complex world of crypto and blockchain to make it accessible to everyone, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain-powered future.

We’re Dedicated To

• Serving all Humanity: Inspired by the adage "it is expensive to be poor," we’re committed to creating a financial ecosystem accessible to all, challenging the status quo and reducing the frictions of outdated systems.
• Promoting for Unity: Our platform reflects our belief in a socio-financial evolution. We envision a future where the global community is not defined by national boundaries but united by a shared vision of justice and prosperity.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in finance, economics, financial risk management, or a related field.
• Extensive experience (typically 6+ years) in financial risk management, preferably within the financial services or cryptocurrency industry.
• Strong knowledge of cryptocurrency markets, trading platforms, and blockchain technology.
• Proficiency in risk assessment methodologies, risk modeling techniques, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Strong understanding of operational, financial, and compliance risk associated with cryptocurrency trading and investments.
• Have a deep understanding of derivatives products i.e. futures, spot margin trading, options and the cryptocurrency industry.
• Major in Mathematics, Financial Engineering, Finance, Physics and Data Sciences or other related STEM. Holder of FRM, CFA or other related certificates are preferred.
• 3+ years of relevant experience in risk management, quantitative trading or research work within the crypto derivatives industry is highly preferred but not a requirement.
• Able to demonstrate good coding skills, familiar with big data processing and analysis such as Hive(SQL), Python and be able to build the quantitative model from large and complex datasets and good at data visualisation.
• Able to demonstrate strong quantitative, analytical and problem solving skills, and have ability to work flexibly and remotely in a challenging and constantly changing environment.
• Able to deliver high quality work on tight deadlines and be comfortable working in the constantly evolving crypto industry.
• Be proactive, curious, self-motivated, and quick to learn. Demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility, effective communication, writing, and presentation skills, and work well as part of a team.
• Due to the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency industry, you may be required to flexibly work after-hours or on some weekends should the need arise.
  
  

Job Responsibilities

Quantitative research and Implementation

• Understand the needs of a crypto exchange with respect to liquidity on central limit order books.
• Provide direct input into trading strategies to add liquidity to VALR trading pairs in a manner that balances inventory while generating a return.
• Iterate and refine trade strategies to ensure our trade operations remain competitive and profit-generating.
• Take learnings and apply strategies to other exchanges and decentralised venues.
  
  

Risk assessment and identification

• Conduct comprehensive risk assessment to identify potential risks relating to trade operations.
• Conduct scenario modeling for specific strategies as well as for macroeconomic and market stress situations.
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging risks that could impact the exchange specifically in relation to trading operations across spot and derivatives.
  
  

Risk mitigation and control

• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies and controls to minimise the exchanges exposure to identified risks.
• Establish and monitor key risk indicators (KRIs) and thresholds to detect early warning signs of potential risks.
• Work closely with trade and operations teams to ensure the effectiveness of risk mitigation measures and control frameworks.
  
  

Risk reporting and communication

• Prepare and present reports to senior management and the board of directors, highlighting key risks, trends, and recommendations for risk mitigation.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders across the organisation.
  
  

Risk monitoring and analysis

• Monitor risk exposures and perform regular risk assessments to ensure risk appetite and tolerance levels are maintained.
• Conduct timely risk analysis on positions through quantitative models and other statistical methods, including scenario analysis and stress tests to identify and monitor risks.
• Identify existing and potential risk events that may cause serious loss to the exchange and propose solutions to mitigate the risks.
• Build and improve risk indicators for automated monitoring purposes including real time alerts, daily and weekly reports.
  
  

Job Benefits

• Innovative Work Environment
• Engage with the latest blockchain technologies and tools in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Work from anywhere with secure, stable internet connectivity, allowing you to create your ideal workspace.
• Career Development
• Benefit from an annual professional development allowance alongside scheduled company training sessions to keep you at the forefront of the crypto industry.
• Competitive Compensation
• Competitive salaries that align with industry standards.
• When you contribute to our success, you’ll be rewarded with discretionary bonuses, recognising your impact on VALR’s growth.
• Diversity and Inclusion
• A commitment to fostering a diverse workforce with initiatives that promote equity and belonging.
• Wellness
• Employees are encouraged to strive for coherent and wholesome lives, fulfilling their work, personal, social, physical and spiritual goals to the best of their abilities.
• Compliance with statutory leave required by individual countries, in addition to flexible leave options.
• Impact and Contribution
• At VALR, we believe in a financial system that recognises the oneness of humanity. Our mission is to break down financial barriers and promote universal values of courage, ethical integrity, and the intrinsic worth of every individual.
• Engage in initiatives that promote education and awareness about cryptocurrencies, ensuring that everyone has the tools and knowledge to participate in the evolving financial landscape.
• Dynamic Team Culture
• Open communication and teamwork across departments, fostering innovation and creativity.
• Enjoy social gatherings outside of work to strengthen team bonds and boost morale.
• Global Exposure
• Work with colleagues from around the world.
• Exposure to diverse perspectives and practices in the crypto space.
• Recognition and Rewards
• Regular acknowledgement of employee accomplishments, fostering a culture of appreciation and motivation.
• Join us for retreats that blend professional development with team bonding in inspiring locations.
• Tools for Success
• Receive a Mac laptop and a discretionary allowance to purchase all the extras needed for a productive home office—yours to keep after three years (terms and conditions apply).