Job description

Business type

Types of Jobs - Corporate & Investment Banking

Job title

Head of Financial trading

Contract type

Permanent Contract

Job summary

Responsible for trading within authorised trading limits on the Credit Secondary Financials desk, i.e. the risk parameters and designated currency and product limits. In order to maximise revenues within pre-established limits and objectives.

Trades are predominantly in: EUR but the trader will be expected to trade our other books in support if required. Products will include financial senior and subordinated bonds.

Within the parameters of the overall business strategy of CA CIB and other agreed policies, the candidate is empowered to implement the strategy and business plans within the business line, as decided by the Head of Credit Secondary Trading - Flow Credit.

Key responsibilities are as follows:

This role centres on market making for European financial sector and subordinated bonds, requiring the trader to continuously provide two-way pricing to clients while managing the resulting inventory risk. All transactions must be executed within the bank's established risk management procedures and parameters, with every trade entered promptly into Front Office Systems.
The trader is responsible for formulating trading strategy aligned to market opportunities, staying continuously informed of economic and financial developments, and translating this into actionable views that guide both trading decisions and sales advice. Product pricing - for new products and specific client transactions - must ensure the bank is adequately compensated for principal risk and balance sheet usage. Technical guidance to junior staff is also expected as required.

Daily reporting of P&L, risk, and key market movements to management is a core obligation, alongside informal updates to the Head of Secondary Credit Flow Trading Europe on business progress and emerging issues.
Strict compliance with the desk's mandate is non-negotiable, including formal sign-off in the MRL tool. The trader works with their N+1 Manager to establish risk parameters, then manages and hedges the Credit Secondary Financials portfolio on an intra- and inter-day basis. Adherence to all credit and market risk limits is mandatory, with clear delegation and documentation across trading books. Legal, operational, and reputational risks must also be identified and escalated appropriately.

Externally, the trader develops and maintains relationships with market peers, represents the firm on industry or regulatory committees if requested, and ensures immediate escalation of any counterparty disputes to management and Back Office. KYC compliance must be strictly observed at all times.
Communication is central throughout - contributing to team discussions, maintaining strong dialogue with Sales, clearly conveying risk limits and product approvals to fellow traders, and ensuring management is promptly informed of anything with material impact on performance, risk, or regulatory compliance. Close liaison with global overseas offices is also required.

Supplementary Information

Our commitment to you!

Make an impact that matters

Your work contributes to a social responsibility and sustainable future. As a founding signatory of the Equator Principles and a global leader in sustainable finance, we finance projects that benefit both people and the planet. You can extend your impact through our Charities Committee, which provides annual paid volunteering leave to support causes you care about.

Grow without limits

Access development opportunities across the Crédit Agricole Group; whether deepening expertise, exploring new skills or taking on roles across borders. Our structured mentoring programme connects you with experienced colleagues, while cross-functional projects and learning initiatives help you build the capabilities that matter most to you.

Thrive in a culture built on trust

Be part of a collaborative environment built on trust, autonomy, and empowerment. Diversity is celebrated through our SPRING Diversity network, and our Sports and Social Club fosters genuine connections beyond the workplace. Crédit Agricole CIB is not just a place to work, it is a place where you can make a positive impact.

Shape the future of banking

From digital transformation to innovative solutions, you are fully supported to challenge conventions and turn ideas into reality.

Join us

Our hiring process is open to all. Should you require any accommodations, please let us know.

Position location

Geographical area

Europe, United Kingdom

City

London

Candidate criteria

Minimal education level

Bachelor Degree / BSc Degree or equivalent

Academic qualification / Speciality

Degree, preferably in a Mathematical / Scientific area, or A-levels followed by appropriate market relevant working experience.

Experience

Essential

Experience in financial products related trading/ risk management activities.

Experience of working within a team.

Desirable

Experience in trading and risk managing a trading book, where applicable.

Required skills

• IT literate.
• Thorough knowledge of financial derivatives including market liquidity (ability to enter or exit a position) and volatility (magnitude / speed of price change), pricing and trading/hedging strategies.
• Strong numerical, analytical and spreadsheet skills.