Acing the Application Process at Akuna Capital: A Comprehensive Guide

Akuna Capital, a leading proprietary trading firm, is known for its rigorous hiring process, designed to identify exceptional talent capable of thriving in the fast-paced world of quantitative trading. If you aspire to join this prestigious firm, understanding and preparing for their unique application process is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the various stages, providing insights and tips to help you navigate the process with confidence.

The Initial Screening: Online Assessments

The first step in Akuna Capital’s application process is a set of online assessments aimed at evaluating your quantitative and problem-solving abilities. These assessments typically consist of the following components:

1. Mental Math Test: This 22-minute timed test assesses your mental arithmetic skills and your ability to perform calculations quickly and accurately. It’s essential to practice mental math exercises and familiarize yourself with techniques for rapid calculation.

2. Online Coding Challenge: Depending on your role, you may be required to complete an online coding challenge in either Python or C++. This assessment evaluates your programming skills and your ability to solve algorithmic problems efficiently.

To prepare for these assessments, practice coding challenges from platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank, and brush up on your mental math skills by solving puzzles and brain teasers.

The Video Interview

If you successfully navigate the online assessments, you’ll be invited to complete a short recorded video interview. This stage is designed to evaluate your communication skills, personality, and overall fit for the firm.

During the video interview, you may be asked behavioral questions, such as describing a failure or explaining your motivation for pursuing a career in trading. Additionally, you may encounter technical questions testing your problem-solving abilities, potentially involving probability concepts like Bayes’ theorem or binomial distribution.

To prepare for the video interview, practice your responses to common behavioral questions, and review fundamental probability concepts and mental math strategies.

The Technical Phone Interviews

The next stage in the process consists of two technical phone interviews with members of Akuna Capital’s Quant Trading & Research team. These interviews will delve deeper into your technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.

During the phone interviews, you can expect to face a variety of questions, including:

• Probability and expectation questions
• Brain teasers and logic puzzles
• Arithmetic and sequence problems
• Market-making scenarios

To excel in this stage, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation in probability theory, statistics, and quantitative finance concepts. Additionally, practicing mental math and problem-solving exercises can help you think on your feet and communicate your reasoning effectively.

The Final Round: In-Person or Video Conference Interviews

If you successfully navigate the previous stages, you’ll be invited to the final round of interviews, which can last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. These interviews may be conducted in person or via video conference, depending on your location and the firm’s preferences.

During the final round, you can expect a combination of technical and behavioral questions, as well as case studies or simulations designed to assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world trading scenarios.

Preparation for the final round should involve a comprehensive review of your technical knowledge, practicing case studies and mock interviews, and fine-tuning your communication and presentation skills.

Throughout the application process, Akuna Capital evaluates not only your technical abilities but also your personality, fit for the firm’s culture, and potential for growth. By demonstrating a passion for quantitative trading, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning, you can increase your chances of standing out among the competition.

Remember, the application process at Akuna Capital is highly competitive, but with dedication, preparation, and a deep understanding of the firm’s values and expectations, you can position yourself for success in this challenging and rewarding career path.