Optiver

Optiver is a global leader in financial services, specializing in market making and proprietary trading. Founded in 1986 by Johann Kaemingk, Ruud Vlek, and Chris Oomen, the company has grown into a powerhouse headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, employing over 2,100 professionals worldwide.

With a strong commitment to improving financial markets, Optiver provides liquidity, competitive pricing, and reliable risk management. The firm operates on more than 100 exchanges globally, including in key financial hubs like Miami, New York, London, and Singapore, making it a prominent player in the international trading ecosystem.

When Was Optiver Established?

Founded: 1986
Founders: Johann Kaemingk, Ruud Vlek, Chris Oomen
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Industry: Financial Services
Number of Employees: 2,112
Annual Revenue: €3.494 billion (2024)
Net Profit: €1.369 billion (2024)
Total Equity: €4.905 billion (2024)

Optiver’s Mission Statement

"To improve financial markets by providing liquidity, competitive pricing, and reliable risk management."

What Is Optiver Known For?

Optiver has carved out a distinctive position in the financial services industry through several unique differentiators.

Proprietary Trading with Own Capital

Unlike many competitors, Optiver trades using its own capital, which allows for agile decision-making and direct exposure to market dynamics. This proprietary trading model enhances its ability to provide liquidity across various asset classes.

Global Market Making Presence

Operating actively on over 100 exchanges worldwide, Optiver ensures competitive pricing and robust market liquidity. Its presence in key global cities, including its growing focus on Miami, underscores its international strategy and reach.

Investment in Technology and Quantitative Research

Continuous investment in state-of-the-art technology and quantitative research underpins Optiver's competitive edge. The firm develops in-house trading systems and infrastructure to maintain superior performance in fast-paced financial markets.

How Does Optiver’s Business Model Work?

Optiver’s business model revolves around proprietary trading and market making, which involves providing liquidity and competitive pricing across multiple asset classes such as equities, options, futures, and fixed income.

This model supports market efficiency and stability, benefiting a broad range of financial participants. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep quantitative expertise, Optiver enhances execution quality and risk management on a global scale.

In Which Cities Does Optiver Operate?

Optiver operates in numerous financial centers including Amsterdam (headquarters), Chicago, London, Shanghai, Taipei, Austin, Hong Kong, Sydney, Singapore, New York, Mumbai, and Miami, highlighting its wide geographic footprint and commitment to serving global markets.

Who Owns Optiver?

Optiver is a privately held proprietary trading firm owned by its founders and employees. This ownership structure allows the company to reinvest profits into technology, research, and global expansion initiatives without the pressures of public shareholders.

Is Optiver Currently Hiring?

You can check out the open positions that Optiver has right here on OysterLink.