Equity Trader

Role Overview

Singapore-based equity trader within the global central execution team covering Japanese cash equities and related instruments (TOPIX/Nikkei futures, single-stock futures, listed options). Support multi-strategy portfolios and regional PMs, with a strong focus on best execution, liquidity sourcing, implementation of trading strategies, and trading cost analysis (TCA).

Key Responsibilities

• Manage order flow and trade execution in Japanese equities and related derivatives across assigned sectors.
• Proactively engage Portfolio Managers and Analysts on Japan market colour, positioning, and events, including corporate actions, earnings, and index rebalancing.
• Apply strong knowledge of Japanese equity market microstructure and portfolio construction to advise Portfolio Managers on implementation and choice of trading strategies.
• Support the efficiency and optimisation of execution workflows through improved tools, automation, and technology.
• Manage and deepen broker relationships with Japan-focused sell-side desks and engage with key local market participants.
• Work effectively with Operations, Compliance, Risk Management, and Technology to ensure robust front-to-back processes and controls.
• Act as a key liaison between the Singapore desk and Tokyo-based counterparties/coverage, ensuring alignment on business needs, markets, flows, and risk themes across the trading day.

Experience and Qualifications Required

• 7–10 years' experience in equities trading on the buy side and/or sell side (hedge fund, investment bank, or related roles), with a core focus on Japanese equities.
• Solid knowledge of cash equity and listed/OTC equity derivatives in Japan; broader APAC or multi-asset trading experience is a plus.
• Good understanding of Japanese market microstructure, including the opening/closing auctions (itayose), ToSTNeT, PTS venues, and settlement conventions.
• Experience with electronic trading, algos, and multi-venue execution; comfortable managing high-volume, multi-instrument order flow.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, able to interact confidently with PMs, analysts, and sell-side counterparts across time zones.
• Commercial and service-oriented mindset with strong ownership of execution quality and trading outcomes.
• Ability to prioritise, multitask, and manage workload effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of trading and reporting.
• Strong team player and collaborative nature.
• Japanese language proficiency is required.