Job Summary

The algo-trading model validation quant will join the Traded Risk Model Validation (TRM) function at Standard Chartered Bank. The team is responsible for conducting in-depth, independent technical validations of models used to measure pricing, market risk, and counterparty credit risk across all derivative asset classes.

This role will focus primarily on the validation of algorithmic trading models used within FX and Rates e-markets. The successful candidate will independently assess model risk, develop benchmark and challenger models, enhance standardised testing frameworks, and ensure models are fit for purpose for financial reporting, risk management, and regulatory stress testing. The position requires close collaboration with stakeholders across the UK, Poland, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the US.

Key Responsibilities

Model Validation & Technical Delivery

• Perform independent validations of algorithmic trading models.
• Assess model methodology, theoretical foundations, assumptions, implementation, and limitations to determine fitness for purpose.
• Evaluate both internally developed and external (vendor) models.
• Develop and implement benchmark or alternative models to independently challenge front-office models.
• Design, enhance, and maintain standardised model validation testing frameworks.
• Deliver high-quality validation reports with clear documentation of findings, limitations, and remediation actions within agreed timelines.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Front Office traders, quantitative traders, developers, Market Risk, and Valuation Control throughout the model lifecycle.
• Provide independent assessment and formal opinions on model risk across FX and Rates algorithmic trading models.
• Raise and track model issues where limitations are identified and assess adequacy of mitigation plans.
• Collaborate effectively with TRM Validation colleagues across London, Poland, and Singapore.

Risk Management & Governance

• Ensure validation activities comply with the Group Model Risk Policy, Model Family standards, and relevant Operational Risk controls.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive records within the Group’s Model Risk Inventory and lifecycle management systems.
• Participate actively in governance forums overseeing model performance and risk.
• Maintain awareness of relevant regulatory frameworks and emerging supervisory expectations impacting valuation and algorithmic trading models.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in model validation or model development within pricing and/or algorithmic trading models. Newly graduated PhD candidates with strong quantitative capability and demonstrated interest in mathematical finance will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of statistical and machine learning techniques applied to financial markets.
• Solid foundation in mathematical finance, stochastic calculus, numerical methods, and optimisation.
• Proficiency in Python, with experience in scientific programming libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, or TensorFlow.
• Knowledge of FX and Rates e-markets, including market microstructure and electronic trading environments.
• Familiarity with data sets used in FX/Rates e-markets (e.g., RFQs, trade data, bond prices, swap rates) is desirable.
• Familiarity with execution algorithms, automated hedging algorithms, or ePricing platforms is desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex quantitative concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• PhD or advanced degree in a highly quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, or Mathematical Finance. Equivalent experience demonstrating strong technical expertise and independent model critique capability will also be considered.
• Demonstrated application of statistical, optimisation, and machine learning techniques (e.g., time series analysis, classification, supervised and unsupervised learning) within financial contexts.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken).

About Standard Chartered

We're an international bank, nimble enough to act, big enough for impact. For more than 170 years, we've worked to make a positive difference for our clients, communities, and each other. We question the status quo, love a challenge and enjoy finding new opportunities to grow and do better than before. If you're looking for a career with purpose and you want to work for a bank making a difference, we want to hear from you. You can count on us to celebrate your unique talents and we can't wait to see the talents you can bring us.

Our purpose, to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, together with our brand promise, to be here for good are achieved by how we each live our valued behaviours. When you work with us, you'll see how we value difference and advocate inclusion.

Together we:

• Do the right thing and are assertive, challenge one another, and live with integrity, while putting the client at the heart of what we do
• Never settle, continuously striving to improve and innovate, keeping things simple and learning from doing well, and not so well
• Are better together, we can be ourselves, be inclusive, see more good in others, and work collectively to build for the long term

What we offer

In line with our Fair Pay Charter, we offer a competitive salary and benefits to support your mental, physical, financial and social wellbeing.

• Core bank funding for retirement savings, medical and life insurance, with flexible and voluntary benefits available in some locations.
• Time-off including annual leave, parental/maternity (20 weeks), sabbatical (12 months maximum) and volunteering leave (3 days), along with minimum global standards for annual and public holiday, which is combined to 30 days minimum.
• Flexible working options based around home and office locations, with flexible working patterns.
• Proactive wellbeing support through Unmind, a market-leading digital wellbeing platform, development courses for resilience and other human skills, global Employee Assistance Programme, sick leave, mental health first-aiders and all sorts of self-help toolkits
• A continuous learning culture to support your growth, with opportunities to reskill and upskill and access to physical, virtual and digital learning.
• Being part of an inclusive and values driven organisation, one that embraces and celebrates our unique diversity, across our teams, business functions and geographies - everyone feels respected and can realise their full potential.