FLASH FRIDAY is a weekly content series looking at the past, present and future of capital markets trading and technology. FLASH FRIDAY is sponsored by Instinet, a Nomura company.
Summer was fleeting, and so was Traders Magazine’s whirlwind summer 2024 listening tour of getting to know Generation Z in our industry.
Since July we’ve introduced promising young finance / fintech professionals at Instinet, DB, Citadel Securities, T. Rowe Price, Robinhood Markets, and Clear Street.
In today’s swan song, please meet a quintet of Zoomers from Virtu Financial.
Joe Ballai, Workflow Technology
Briefly describe your educational background and work experience, including current role/responsibilities.
I graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in 2022 with a major in Quantitative Finance and a minor in Applied Mathematics. After interning with Virtu during my senior year, I joined full-time as an Electronic Trade Support Specialist on the Workflow Technology team, where I assist in managing our global trading hub.
How did you get interested in the world of finance/fintech?
Coming from a family of engineers, I’ve always been interested in problem-solving, math, and puzzles. On my 12th birthday, my grandma gifted me one share of Apple stock, sparking my interest in finance. I began creating my own portfolios with fake money and even gave my parents unsolicited trading advice as a teenager. Combining these interests led me to FinTech, where I found the perfect fit.
What is the best aspect of your job?
The culture. From day one, I’ve been encouraged to have a voice in team decisions and empowered to lead my own initiatives. Plus, I’m surrounded by some of the smartest people I’ve ever met, who are always eager to help me grow.
Any notable mentors, past or present, that you’d like to recognize?
My older brother. Watching him carve out his career path ahead of me and seeing the effort he put in to achieve his goals set a high standard for me.
What do you like to do outside work?
I love picking up new hobbies that engage both my body and mind. Whether it’s working out, trying to improve my golf swing, or learning a new song on the piano, I enjoy the challenge and looking back on my progress.
Kimberly Ding, Quantitative Strategist
Briefly describe your educational background and work experience, including current role/responsibilities.
I studied computer science at Princeton and interned as a software engineer before joining Virtu as an intern. Now, as a Quantitative Strategist, I improve our strategies through experiments, simulations, and assessing post implementation in production.
What is the best aspect of your job?
My coworkers. The collaborative culture here is fantastic—everyone is eager to help and excited to share their work.
Any notable mentors, past or present, that you’d like to recognize?
When I was a kid, my chess coach told me that if I was going to proceed with a particular plan, I shouldn’t pivot to a different plan halfway through. He was talking about chess, of course, but now when I decide to do anything, I commit myself fully to it.
What do you like to do outside work?
I’m trying, with limited success, to spend less time in front of a computer. I’ve been going to workout classes and dabbling in crafts, such as painting and sewing.
How optimistic are you about your generation’s ability to step up and lead companies, industries, or governments when the time comes?
I’m very optimistic. Can’t think of a reason not to be.
Angus Cowell, Agency Trading
Briefly describe your educational background and work experience, including current role/responsibilities.
After graduating with a degree in Economics from Harvard, I joined Virtu and spent a year in operations for our Options market maker. I then transitioned to the Agency desk, where I help develop and enhance the algorithms and routers we use for our client business.
How did you get interested in the world of finance/fintech?
In college, I was drawn to trading and the idea of a trade desk—a team of people with different skills working together in real-time. As a former collegiate athlete, this collaborative, fast-paced environment captivated me.
What is the best aspect of your job?
What I enjoy most about trading is the unpredictable nature of my day-to-day. At any given moment, I could be working on an analysis, a code change, or dealing with real-time situations. Each morning, you never know with absolute certainty what you will be working on.
What do you like to do outside work?
As someone who spends a considerable amount of time in front of computer screens, I like to spend my weekends outdoors, hiking, fishing, and working in vain towards becoming a mediocre golfer.
Flash forward 20 years: What does the finance/fintech industry look like?
I believe the industry will continue its push towards automation, further driving efficiency, and giving traders access to ever-improving tools.
Olivia Stein, Trading Analytics
Briefly describe your educational background and work experience, including current role/responsibilities.
I graduated from Northwestern University in 2023 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. After attending Virtu’s Women’s Winternship in my sophomore year, I interned with Virtu’s Analytics group in 2022 and joined full-time in August 2023 as a Client Services Analyst. In this role, I support clients across our trading and portfolio analytics products, analyze trade data, and prepare reports and presentations on transaction costs and trends.
How did you get interested in the world of finance/fintech/asset management?
Though I pursued mechanical engineering, I found a passion for data science and coding. Fintech allowed me to apply these analytical and technical skills to the dynamic world of finance.
What is the best aspect of your job?
The people. I’m surrounded by supportive, curious, and collaborative individuals who keep me engaged and motivated. As a young woman in finance, I’m lucky to have amazing female role models around me.
What do you like to do outside work?
Outside of work, I am an avid runner. I ran my first half marathon this past April and I plan to run the NYC marathon in the next few years. I also enjoy trying new restaurants around New York City, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
How optimistic are you about your generation’s ability to step up and lead companies, industries, or governments when the time comes?
I’m very optimistic! Our generation has proven to be innovative when facing challenges, and I believe we’re uniquely equipped to lead in a world driven by technology, AI, and data analytics.
Anita Mukherjee, Equities Trader
Briefly describe your educational background and work experience, including your current role and responsibilities.
I graduated from Vanderbilt in December 2022 with degrees in Applied Mathematics and Economics, along with a minor in Computer Science. During college, I conducted bioinformatics research and served as an editor for a magazine. The summer before graduation, I interned on the Sales and Trading floor at a bank, and upon graduating, I joined Virtu as an International Equities Trader.
How did you get interested in the world of finance/fintech?
I didn’t know much about trading or the financial markets until college, but I’ve always enjoyed math and strategy games. Trading has felt like a natural fit for me, and I really enjoy the fast-paced nature of the role.
Any notable mentors, past or present, that you’d like to recognize?
Virtu fosters a unique culture of collaboration and mentorship. Teams are always coordinating with one another and people are genuinely excited to share their expertise. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the extra effort my coworkers have put in to help me along the way.
What do you like to do outside work?
Lots of things! I’ve been training for a half marathon, so you can usually find me running. When I’m not running, I love cooking with friends or shooting film photography.
How optimistic are you about your generation’s ability to step up and lead companies, industries, or governments when the time comes?
I’m pretty optimistic. Gen Z has already shown its ability to effect change, and as one of the first generations to grow up alongside technology, I believe we have a unique perspective on how to leverage its power effectively. I’m excited to see how we continue to rise to the challenge.
