1

Institutional Trading Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This role sits at the center of trading, liquidity, financing, and institutional workflows, shaping how we position and grow one of the most strategic parts of the business. You will partner closely ...

This role sits at the center of trading, liquidity, financing, and institutional workflows, shaping how we position and grow one of the most strategic parts of the business. You will partner closely ...

BTIG is a global financial services firm specializing in institutional trading, investment banking, research and related brokerage services. With an extensive global footprint and more than 700 ...

Their mission is to deliver a professional-grade platform that combines the power of institutional trading tools with Robinhood's signature approachable design. As a Staff Web Engineer , performance ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Institutional Trading information

What is institutional trading?

Institutional trading refers to the buying and selling of large quantities of securities, such as stocks or bonds, by organizations like mutual funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and hedge funds. These trades are typically much larger than those made by individual investors and can significantly impact market prices. Institutional traders often use advanced strategies and sophisticated technology to execute trades efficiently and minimize costs. Their activities play a key role in providing liquidity and stability to the financial markets.

How does an institutional trader typically collaborate with portfolio managers and analysts during the trading process?

Institutional traders work closely with portfolio managers and research analysts to execute large trades that align with the firm's investment strategies. Portfolio managers communicate their investment objectives and trade instructions, while analysts provide market insights and recommendations. Traders use this information to determine the optimal timing, size, and method of execution, aiming to minimize market impact and transaction costs. Effective collaboration ensures that trades are executed efficiently and in accordance with compliance and risk guidelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an institutional trader, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Institutional Trader, you need a strong background in finance, analytical skills, and a relevant degree such as finance, economics, or mathematics. Familiarity with trading platforms like Bloomberg Terminal, electronic trading systems, and regulatory certifications (such as FINRA Series 7 or 63) are typically required. Excellent decision-making, attention to detail, and effective communication are standout soft skills for managing high-stakes transactions and client relationships. These capabilities are critical for executing large trades efficiently, mitigating risk, and ensuring profitability in fast-paced financial markets.

What is the difference between Institutional Trading vs Equity Trading?

AspectInstitutional TradingEquity Trading
CredentialsDegree in finance, economics, or related field; certifications like CFA often preferredSimilar credentials; CFA and finance degrees common
Work EnvironmentLarge financial institutions, hedge funds, asset managersBrokerages, investment banks, trading firms
Industry UsageUsed across institutional investors, asset managers, pension fundsUsed by individual and institutional traders
Search & ComparisonOften compared for scope, scale, and client baseFocuses more on individual or retail trading activities

Institutional Trading involves executing large-scale trades for institutions like pension funds and asset managers, often requiring specialized skills and certifications. Equity Trading generally refers to buying and selling stocks, which can be done by both individual and institutional traders. While both roles involve trading securities, Institutional Trading typically deals with larger volumes and more complex strategies within large organizations.

How do you become an institutional trader?

To become an institutional trader, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field, along with strong analytical skills and experience in trading or financial markets. Many institutional traders gain experience through internships or entry-level roles at financial firms and may pursue certifications like the Series 7 or Series 63 to enhance their credentials.

How much do institutional traders make?

Institutional traders typically earn a base salary ranging from $70,000 to $150,000 annually, with total compensation often including bonuses that can significantly increase earnings based on performance. Experienced traders with strong analytical skills and risk management expertise can earn well over $200,000 per year. Compensation varies by firm, location, and individual performance.

What does an institutional trading do?

An institutional trader executes large-scale buy and sell orders on behalf of organizations such as mutual funds, pension funds, and hedge funds. They analyze market conditions, use trading platforms, and often work under strict compliance standards to manage significant investment portfolios efficiently.

What are popular job titles related to Institutional Trading jobs in California?

For Institutional Trading jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Institutional Trading jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Institutional Trading jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Institutional Trading job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Director, Prime Trading

Fidelity Investments

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Fidelity Investments rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 272 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 151 rated financial services


Job description

Job Description:

NOTE: Fidelity will not provide sponsorship for this position.

The Role

This individual will be part of a dynamic team supporting Prime, Custody and Family Office clients as well as the Fidelity Capital Markets organization. The role requires a heavy emphasis on trading and related activities across all asset classes including equities, ETFs, options, and fixed income products. This role requires close coordination with other trading desks, risk, compliance, and operations. A high degree of accuracy, market awareness, communication skills, and a commitment to delivering a superior client trading experience are essential.

Client Coverage and Relationship Management

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for family offices, RIA's and Prime clients on trading and operational matters across all asset classes including equities, ETFs, options, and fixed income.
  • Maintain strong, trusted relationships with internal trading desks, risk teams, and external market participants.

Trading Support and Daily Operations

  • Demonstrated understanding of markets, trading, and liquidity characteristics across equities, ETFs, options, and fixed income.
  • Oversee daily traderelated support including order inquiries, execution status, trade adjustments, position breaks, and settlement issues.

Margin, Risk and Controls

  • Ability to analyze client activity, margin usage, and risk exposures
  • Monitor, track, and coordinate resolution of margin calls driven by market activity across multiple products.
  • Communicate risk events, low-cash conditions, or collateral shortfalls proactively to clients and internal risk teams.

The Expertise and Skills You Bring

  • Series 7, 57, and 63 licenses required
  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics
  • 7-10+ years of financial industry experience
  • Brokerage or trading experience strongly preferred
  • Proven ability to communicate effectively at all organizational levels
  • Collaborative, teamoriented, and proactive
  • Highly selfmotivated with strong work ethics
  • Ability to balance and prioritize multiple tasks under tight deadlines

The Team

Fidelity Capital Markets is the institutional trading arm of Fidelity Investments, providing trading products and services to a wide array of clients, including buy-side institutions and hedge funds, as well as to Fidelity's own businesses. FCM offers a suite of electronic brokerage products and execution services across multiple asset classes including equities, fixed income, options, and forex, as well as prime brokerage, securities lending, and municipal and bank issued brokered CD underwriting. Our product coverage includes Equity Block Sales/Trading, Program/Electronic Trading, SAM Trading, International Equity Trading, Prime Brokerage, Soft Dollars, and New Accounts.

Fidelity's Onsite Working Model
Fidelity is transitioning to a full-time onsite working model through a phased rollout across regions and roles. Currently, some roles and locations require 100% onsite presence, while others require less. Onsite expectations are likely to evolve as the rollout continues. This transition does not apply to fully remote roles.

The base salary range for this position is $103,000-211,000 USD per year.

Placement in the range will vary based on job responsibilities and scope, geographic location, candidate's relevant experience, and other factors.

Base salary is only part of the total compensation package. Depending on the position and eligibility requirements, the offer package may also include bonus or other variable compensation.

We offer a wide range of benefits to meet your evolving needs and help you live your best life at work and at home. These benefits include comprehensive health care coverage and emotional well-being support, market-leading retirement, generous paid time off and parental leave, charitable giving employee match program, and educational assistance including student loan repayment, tuition reimbursement, and learning resources to develop your career. Note, the application window closes when the position is filled or unposted.

Please be advised that Fidelity's business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.

Certifications:Category:Investment Operations

What Fidelity Investments employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom