OSTC Reviews

Pros

Social stuff, pizza, generally friendly people, informal, handy for the station. They can be flexible about what days you come in. They do want to change things and be progressive. I believe their training is good for trading staff.

Cons

Some people had just been there too long in my opinion and one or two had difficult personalities. I'd never heard of OSTC before I joined. Very little parking on site unless you're senior or are members of a small group who can get permission. Feels quiet at holiday times when some people work from home. Long hours (although they want to change this) and you may be just largely left to pick things up yourself. Key to your job enjoyment will be getting accepted by 'the group' you work with/for.

Pros

No Pro's at all, do not consider working for this firm. Industry Trading Salary is 3-4 times higher elsewhere in other funds.

Cons

This proprietary trading firm is probably one of the worst you could ever get a job at. They aren't even ranked globally as a top firm, the firm thinks they are regarded as a top liquidity provider from exchanges when in fact other firms do the same volume they do in a year in a day. Their entire business model is based on volume rebates from exchanges, they focus on volume rather than profitability and will force volume on its traders if they are close to their targets even encouraging them to loose money to hit their volume targets. The firm has zero expertise on anything fundamental to do with any of it's trading products and OSTC management are extremely poor at trading, the office joke was the MD was an outright gambler, taking on excessive risk and encouraging traders to follow his "style", no proven strategy.

Pros

One of the best things about OSTC is the people. The company has family feel to it, and all staff are approachable, including the Directors. It's very inclusive with social events planned monthly during the summer. There's an obvious scope to grow and develop within the company, which is actively encouraged, especially if you are motivated to do so. The company are dedicated to employee development, with regular appraisals / goal & development reviews. Salary is very reasonable for the area. The company itself is branching out on different directions, and you feel the enthusiasm, ambition and dedication from the Board, which in turn gives the entire company a positive feeling and belief in the future of OSTC. Overall, I would recommend OSTC as a good place to work.

Cons

The lift is still broken after God knows how many years. Good for exercise, but doesn't present a professional first impression of the company. Neither does the facade of the building. Things which i understand are in hand. However, they've been in hand for years, and it doesn't seem to have progressed any further. Another con is the lack of benefits. Salary is reasonable, but I feel more benefits, such a Private Medical / Dental, should be offered to staff.

Pros

Ongoing salary provided, even during initial training (when you're not trading live)

Cons

Long learning curve means you have to be resilient

Pros

Flat hierarchies, learning opportunities, lovely office, focus on inclusion and tracking diversity as a measure of success, open and supportive company culture, work-life balance.

Cons

not working lift and the entrance which is far away from welcoming