About Akuna:
Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies and mathematical models.
Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London and Singapore.
What you’ll do as an Options 201 Course Participant at Akuna:
Are you bright, math-savvy, competitive, and want to see what working at a trading firm is like? Perhaps you have taken an options class (perhaps Akuna’s Options 101 Course) and want to take your trading knowledge to the next level? Akuna Capital is excited to offer a week-long virtual seminar showcasing derivatives trading. This opportunity is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in our industry and who want an inside look at life as a trader at Akuna.
During our 1-week virtual Options 201 Course, running from September 21st - 25th, 2026, we will build upon what was introduced in our online Options Trading 101 Course. We will dive deep into how market makers 1) price options 2) analyze risk 3) automate their workflow and more. Please note that prior completion of the Options 101 Course is not required, but highly recommended.
By the end of the course, we expect all participants to better understand options market making and most importantly have a better idea of if trading is the right career for them.
Qualities that make great candidates:
- Able to dedicate 2 hours each day from September 21st - 25th, 2026 to attend virtual lectures, mini-shadows, office hours, and complete quizzes.
- Pursuing a BS/MS/PhD in Engineering, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, or a related/equivalent field
- Strong math aptitude, numerical and quantitative analysis skills
- Entrepreneurial self-starter ready to work in a fast paced, competitive, team environment
- Graduating between September 2026 – August 2028
- Completion of our separate Options 101 Course is not a requirement, but highly recommended!
Application Process:
- Submit your resume and a one-page/500 words max motivation letter describing your interest in Akuna Capital and detailing what sets you apart from other applicants
- Please include what else you accomplished this year, including internships, summer courses, part-time jobs, etc.
- Successful applicants will be required to complete a few initial assessments by September 14th, 2026 to guarantee a spot in the course
- A limited number of candidates will be invited to join our week-long virtual course
- Top performers will have the opportunity to be expedited to final round interviews for our Junior Trader role (depending on intended graduation date, cohort start would be August 2027 or August 2028) at the end of the program
- Any offer of employment from Akuna is ultimately contingent on verification of your right to work in the United States on the first day of employment, consent to a background check including the successful review and completion of such background check, and review and execution of the Company's Restrictive Covenant and Employee Work Made for Hire Agreement