15 trading careers (with job duties and requirements)

Trading forms a part of the financial industry and involves the exchange of bonds, stocks, commodities or currencies. It's a career path allowing individuals to choose between various financial systems and institutions. Learning the available training career options can guide you in making an informed choice before applying for jobs. In this article, we explain 15 trading careers, including the primary duties, salaries and requirements to work in the trading field.

15 trading careers to consider

Here are 15 trading careers for finance specialists and trading enthusiasts to consider, detailing the descriptions and what to expect in each job:

1. Trading assistant

Find trading assistant jobs here.

National average salary: £22,733 per year

Primary duties: Trading assistants work with certified traders to learn how to sell financial products and manage risks. These assistants offer general help and master the intricacies of trading while assisting the trader. They help to prepare documents, enter and analyse data and perform accounting tasks. A trading assistant also helps schedule meetings between suppliers, buyers and traders.

Related: What is trading? A definitive guide, types and tips

2. Finance coordinator

Find finance coordinator jobs here.

National average salary: £25,578 per year

Primary duties: Finance coordinators oversee the management of financial records and assets in an organisation or for clients. Their responsibilities include record keeping, banking, organising payrolls and other related financial tasks. They also help companies to convert monetary assets to bonds or commodities. Financial coordinators handle the conversion process after the company executives decide the terms.

3. Marketing associate

Find marketing associate jobs here.

National average salary: £30,782 per year

Primary duties: Marketing associates handle tasks that include creating advertisement materials, conducting research, monitoring marketing activities and other similar tasks. They may work as part of a large organisation, a small marketing firm or as freelancers. These associates may also work with traders to research a business. Financial institutions, such as investment firms, may gain some insight or advice from marketing associates based on their research.

4. Portfolio analyst

Find portfolio analyst jobs here.

National average salary: £31,976 per year

Primary duties: Portfolio analysts maintain and analyse investment portfolios in large companies, investment firms or as freelancers. These experts monitor the securities market and investment packages to learn of new developments in the market. A portfolio analyst can make reasonable conclusions and offer relevant financial advice by analysing client asset portfolios and current market trends.

Related: 7 types of financial analysis (with useful examples)

5. Trader

Find trader jobs here.

National average salary: £35,663 per year

Primary duties: A trader handles the buying and selling of securities, stocks and other financial assets, following federal regulations and industry standards. They handle pricing and execute trades for financial institutions or as personal investments. Traders evaluate trading algorithms and profit from fluctuations in the prices of financial assets.

Related: How to become a day trader (with steps and duties)

6. Financial consultant

Find financial consultant jobs here.

National average salary: £39,369 per year

Primary duties: Financial consultants work with individual clients or institutions to achieve their economic goals. They analyse market trends, assess clients' financial status and build long-term client relationships. These consultants also formulate financial plans and respond to enquiries, helping clients make well-informed investment or trade decisions.

7. Risk analyst

Find risk analyst jobs here.

National average salary: £41,317 per year

Primary duties: Risk analysts specialise in calculating the potential risks that may affect an investment's success. Their analysis helps them determine whether an investment's or trade's potential returns are worth taking the identified risks. Risk analysts work as part of investment companies but may also work independently with private clients.

Related: How to perform a risk analysis (with tips)

8. Portfolio manager

Find portfolio manager jobs here.

National average salary: £42,483 per year

Primary duties: Portfolio managers oversee their clients' financial portfolios and assist them in analysing investment opportunities. They hold meetings with clients to discuss and understand their financial goals and the risks they can take. The client's goals guide the investment decision the manager makes on their behalf. Portfolio managers also implement investment strategies and monitor the market for investment options. Their knowledge of currency and different financial instruments allows clients to trust their financial decisions.

9. Investment consultant

Find investment consultant jobs here.

National average salary: £43,080 per year

Primary duties: Investment consultants advise investors or financial institutions to guide their investment decisions. Their responsibilities include setting investment goals, identifying opportunities, creating investment strategies and preparing the necessary client documents. Investment consultants possess a deep knowledge of financial markets and exchanges to provide their clients with optimum value.

10. Foreign exchange trader

Find foreign exchange trader jobs here.

National average salary: £43,216 per year

Primary duties: Foreign exchange, or forex, traders focus on trading foreign currencies. They monitor foreign financial markets while anticipating favourable changes in currency rates. When they observe a favourable change in currency prices, they make trading decisions and profit from a currency's demand or exchange. Forex traders can perform trades for clients, financial institutions or personal investments.

Related: What is forex trading? (With tips on how to get started)

11. Commodity manager

Find commodity manager jobs here.

National average salary: £47,798 per year

Primary duties: Commodity managers assist companies in acquiring the necessary resources to maintain operations. These managers ensure they receive raw materials from reliable sources at reasonable prices. Their activities also involve analysing markets and seeking reliable vendors and contractors. Commodity managers supervise the supply chain personnel and make purchasing decisions.

Related: What is supply and demand, and how do they work?

12. Risk manager

Find risk manager jobs here.

National average salary: £51,821 per year

Primary duties: Risk managers oversee the risks associated with investment decisions for their clients. They manage risks by researching, observing business simulations and making the necessary adjustments. These individuals may consult with other financial specialists to determine the viability of an investment or trading decision.

13. Financial modeller

Find financial modeller jobs here.

National average salary: £56,129 per year

Primary duties: A financial modeller builds conceptual business models or investment products by speculating how changes in the financial market may influence an asset or product. These experts use their knowledge of trading and market trends to build realistic models. Analysts use these models to calculate and forecast potential outcomes. Financial institutions, such as banks and investment firms, may require the services of a financial modeller to analyse the viability of a trade or investment.

Related: How to build a financial model (with definition and tips)

14. Equity analyst

Find equity analyst jobs here.

National average salary: £71,166 per year

Primary duties: Equity analysts are financial experts who research and analyse a company's stocks and bonds. Using their knowledge of stocks and bonds, they make predictions that can influence investment decisions. These predictions may be about the company's future performance in response to various factors, such as price fluctuations or potential financial risks to avoid. Based on their analysis, these analysts can advise financial consultants, stockbrokers and investors.

15. Equity partner

Find equity partner jobs here.

National average salary: £98,778 per year

Primary duties: Equity partners are investors who purchase shares or similar assets from companies to become a part of the company management. They differ from other investors because they aren't investing to only receive interest or dividends. Equity partners become a part of the organisation's decision-making body and receive a yearly percentage of the company's overall return.

Trading career requirements

Below are skills and qualifications companies may require candidates to have when seeking a trading career:

A bachelor's degree in finance or a related field

Since trading is a component of the financial system, those wanting to pursue trading careers typically require a background in finance. Courses such as economics, accounting, banking and finance offer basic knowledge about financial systems and practices. These courses provide a good foundation for candidates specialising in their preferred area.

Analytical skills

Handling finances and investments requires good analytical skills. Trading specialists often analyse financial markets and data to predict future occurrences. The ability to make accurate analyses may influence the success of financial experts.

Research skills

The ability to perform the necessary research is a requirement for trading specialists. Proper research skills enable them to learn about financial markets, institutions and assets. Financial experts require knowledge in gathering data from reliable sources and reaching reasonable conclusions to guide trades or investments.

Related: Industry research vs market research: 5 key differences

Knowledge of financial markets

The knowledge and understanding of trends in financial markets enable trading experts to make predictions and final decisions. Finance specialists may focus on one or a few market aspects, such as stocks or securities. Since the financial market constantly changes, these experts may continue updating their knowledge with new information and developments.

Compliance with protocol

Traders and similar experts often follow certain standards, which include government or company policies and protocols. Complying with the set standards allows them to perform transactions, such as buying and selling financial assets. Individuals who don't adhere to industry standards may experience certain consequences according to state or company laws.

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing. Salaries‌ ‌may‌ ‌‌vary‌‌ ‌depending‌ ‌on‌ ‌the‌ ‌hiring‌ ‌organisation‌ ‌and‌ ‌a‌ ‌candidate's‌ ‌experience,‌ academic‌ background‌ ‌and‌ ‌location.‌