Constantly shifting priorities, no respect for the tech workforce - Anonymous employee AKUNA CAPITAL Employee Review

2.0
Apr 4, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You get to learn a lot about different technologies, you're always busy (never bored), and they're very interested in cutting edge tech

Cons

Priorities change often, sometimes daily, but the timelines don't change with them. Expectations from upper management are "aggressive". 60 hour work weeks are the norm, but don't spend 5 minutes reading the news while eating lunch at your desk or they will notice and remember it. Pay is inline with the rest of the prop trading world, but not amazing. They have a tendency to screw people on their bonus (dismiss late in the year or pay out only a small portion of their target). At least for the support staff, and the partners don't like hearing "no" as an answer. Partners have snarky nicknames for most of the staff. Management is very clique-y and if you're not an Aussie or Brit you won't fit in.

Explore other reviews about AKUNA CAPITAL

5.0
Apr 11, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The Training: Still one of the best "Trader 101" programs in the industry. The focus on options theory and market making is rigorous. The People: You’re surrounded by high-IQ quants and devs. Low ego at the junior level. Perks: baristas, great views, and a casual "wear what you want" culture that isn’t just PR.

Cons

Meritocratic (mostly): PnL speaks. If your desk makes money, you’re generally left alone to build. Cons: * Opacity: Bonus calculations and career progression feel like a black box. There’s a noticeable "inner circle" culture at the top. Work-Life Volatility: It’s prop trading, so hours are expected, but the "always-on" expectation for global shifts can be taxing without the commensurate pay bump seen elsewhere.

4.0
Jul 4, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Strong quantitative culture, smart colleagues, and meaningful exposure to options market making and trading problems. The work can be technically interesting and gives researchers ownership over models, signals, and Work-life balance can vary significantly depending on team and market conditions. The environment may feel intense, and communication or mentorship can depend heavily on the specific desk, manager, and business priorities.strategy development.

Cons

Compensation may be below expectations. Project ownership can also be limited depending on the team, with some researchers having less autonomy over direction, prioritization, or long-term strategy development.

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