Quantitative Analyst: Career Path and Qualifications

Fact checked by Suzanne KvilhaugReviewed by Katie MillerFact checked by Suzanne KvilhaugReviewed by Katie Miller

Quantitative analysts, or “quants,” working in the financial industry use mathematical and statistical techniques to study, measure, and evaluate financial instruments, financial markets, and the behavior of market participants.

Quantitative financial analysts work in all kinds of firms in the securities industry, including commercial banks, investment banks, wealth management firms, and hedge funds. Insurance companies, management consulting firms, accountancy firms, and financial software companies also employ quantitative analysts.

While a quantitative analyst’s focus can vary quite a bit from job to job, the basic work typically revolves around the development and construction of mathematical models designed to provide insight into complex financial systems. These models may be used to price securities and derivative instruments, to inform the timing of trades, or to assess and manage various types of financial risk. Whatever the focus of the job, the information and insight produced by quantitative analysis are generally used to develop and carry out investment strategies and to inform the decision making of the firm’s investment managers or its investment clients.

Key Takeaways

• Quantitative analysts who work in the financial sector use statistical and mathematical techniques to evaluate economic data, financial instruments, and markets.
• Quantitative financial analysts work in commercial banks, investment banks, wealth management firms, and hedge funds, among many others.
• Earning a degree in physics, engineering, computer science, or applied math will help hone one’s quant chops before entering the workforce.

Career Path

Some quantitative financial analysts begin working in entry-level roles as research analysts after completing a bachelor’s degree in a field that provides practical quantitative skills, such as statistics, finance, or economics. However, these positions do not typically lead to long-term, permanent careers in the field. Rather, junior quantitative research analysts usually either return to school or transition into closely related jobs, such as investment analyst positions researching companies and stocks.

In the securities industry, quantitative analysts are typically hired for their expertise in complex mathematical modeling techniques, skills that require many years of training to develop. Consequently, most quantitative analysts come to the field after completing a master’s degree or doctorate. Top candidates for analyst positions typically hold doctorates and have experience conducting independent research and designing mathematical models.

Educational Qualifications

A long-term career as a quantitative analyst generally requires a graduate degree in a quantitative field such as finance, economics, mathematics, or statistics. Degrees in theoretical physics, engineering, computer science, and other fields that deliver high-level training in mathematical modeling and other advanced quantitative techniques may also be acceptable. Some doctorate-level professionals who want to transition into the financial industry from quantitative careers in non-finance fields choose to return to school to earn a master’s degree in majors such as financial engineering or mathematical finance.

$253,000

The average quantitative analyst salary in the United States as of July 2024, according to Glassdoor.

Other Qualifications and Skills

Few employers in this field require job candidates to hold a professional certification. However, some positions may require an appropriate license from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the organization in charge of oversight for securities firms and brokers in the U.S. To begin the FINRA licensing process, a candidate typically must have official sponsorship from their employer. As a result, any licensing requirements for a position are usually handled after a new employee begins work.

Most quantitative financial analysts must have high proficiency in database management skills and computer programming skills used to develop and implement mathematical models. The C++ programming language is generally considered the most important in the field, although requirements vary depending on the position. Other programming languages used in the field include Python, SQL, C#, Java, .NET, and VBA. Quantitative financial analysts should also have expertise in a statistical analysis software package, such as Matlab, R, S-Plus, or SAS. Advanced skills in Excel are also required.

Analysts must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. In addition to developing new mathematical models and analytical approaches, analysts must be able to document and present the results of their work to others in the firm so that it can be put to use in day-to-day business. Analysts may be required to work with technical staff to design appropriate systems to run the models they create. Analysts should also expect to communicate with firm management and various business units to set research and design priorities.

Where Do Quantitative Analysts Work?

Quantitative analysts work in commercial banks, investment banks, wealth management firms, hedge funds, insurance companies, management consulting firms, accountancy firms, and financial software companies.

What Is a Quantitative Analyst’s Workday Like?

A quantitative analyst’s basic work typically revolves around the development and construction of mathematical models designed to provide insight into complex financial systems. These models may be used to price securities and derivative instruments, to inform the timing of trades, or to assess and manage various types of financial risk.

What Skills Are Quantitative Analysts Hired for?

Quantitative analysts are typically hired for their expertise in complex mathematical modeling techniques. These skills require many years of training to develop and usually come from completing a master’s degree or doctorate.

The Bottom Line

Quantitative financial analysts work in all kinds of firms in the securities industry. They use statistical and mathematical techniques to evaluate economic data, financial instruments, and markets.

Read the original article on Investopedia.