We are seeking a highly accomplished and strategically minded Investment Principal to join our investment team. You will bring extensive experience in private equity, mergers & acquisitions, or venture capital, with a particular focus on financial market infrastructure and digital assets. This role requires a deep understanding of the dynamics of trading ecosystems, a robust network of industry contacts, and a proven track record of executing complex transactions. You will be responsible for sourcing, leading, and managing investments across the full transaction lifecycle, primarily within the United States.

What you’ll do:

As an Investment Principal, your key responsibilities include: 

• Independently identify, originate, and evaluate investment opportunities aligned with strategic sector priorities, including exchanges, post-trade services, trading platforms, market data providers, and digital asset infrastructure
• Lead all phases of the investment process, including commercial due diligence, financial modeling, transaction structuring, negotiation, and legal execution
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the industry, including company founders, institutional investors, regulatory bodies, and other market participants
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to refine investment theses, assess strategic fit, and provide insights on evolving market trends and regulatory developments
• Represent the firm externally with professionalism and credibility in interactions with counterparties, advisors, and industry partners

What you’ll get:

You’ll join a culture of collaboration and excellence, surrounded by curious thinkers and creative problem-solvers. Motivated by a passion for continuous improvement, you’ll thrive in a supportive, high-performing environment alongside talented colleagues, collectively tackling some of the toughest challenges in the financial markets.

In addition, you’ll receive:

• The opportunity to work alongside best-in-class professionals from over 40 different countries
• Highly competitive compensation package including performance-based bonus structure 
• 401(k) match up to 50%
• Comprehensive health, mental, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage
• 25 paid vacation days alongside market holidays
• Extensive office perks, including breakfast, lunch and snacks, regular social events, clubs, sporting leagues and more

Who you are:

• A minimum of 8–10 years of relevant experience in private equity, M&A advisory, or venture capital, ideally with exposure to the financial technology and market infrastructure sectors
• Demonstrated success in sourcing, structuring, and executing high-impact and complex investment transactions
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to assess strategic value and competitive positioning in dynamic markets
• In-depth knowledge of financial market structure, trading technology, post-trade systems, and the regulatory environment
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders
• A proactive, self-directed approach with a high level of professional integrity and a commitment to excellence
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required; we will not sponsor individuals for employment authorization for this job opening 

Who we are:

At Optiver, our mission is to improve the market by injecting liquidity, providing accurate pricing, increasing transparency and stabilizing the market no matter the conditions. With a focus on continuous improvement, we prioritize safeguarding the health and efficiency of the markets for all participants. As one of the largest market making institutions, we are a respected partner on 100+ exchanges across the globe.

Our differences are our edge. Optiver does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or other legally protected characteristics.