Parth Parakh

Tell us a bit about you. 

I’m Parth Parakh. I’m currently working as an FX trader in the eFX team at a leading Dutch bank. My role focuses on building and refining pricing and hedging models for the bank’s FX franchise, bridging quantitative modelling with fast-paced trading execution.  

Before this, I worked in financial markets in a front-office quantitative capacity, combining my technical background with a strong interest in markets. I’m passionate about applying data-driven decision-making to solve complex problems and thrive in environments where technology and finance meet. 

Why did you choose UCL for your Master’s? 

I chose UCL for its strong academic reputation and the MSc in Computational Finance’s unique integration of finance, mathematics, and programming. The programme stood out because it was developed in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring its content is directly relevant to real-world applications. It also aligned perfectly with my prior experience and long-term career goals. 

London’s status as a global financial hub was another decisive factor — I knew studying here would offer unparalleled industry exposure through networking opportunities, guest lectures, and recruitment events. 

How easy was it to find a job in the UK afterwards? 

Breaking into finance can be challenging, especially for international students, but the resources at UCL made a real difference. The department organised guest lectures, networking events, and industry-linked thesis projects that gave us direct exposure to recruiters and professionals in the field. That said, securing a role still required significant independent preparation and persistence — you have to be ready to put in the hard yards. 

What have been the highlights of your career since graduating? 

One highlight has been the opportunity to work on building cutting-edge FX pricing models that are now used in live trading environments. I’ve also had the chance to collaborate with highly skilled developers, traders, and quants from diverse backgrounds, which has been both humbling and inspiring. Seeing ideas move from research to production — and directly impact trading decisions — has been incredibly rewarding. 

Is working as a quant what you expected? 

It’s both exactly what I expected and nothing like it — in the best way. I anticipated the need for strong mathematical and programming skills, but I didn’t fully appreciate how dynamic and collaborative the work would be. The role requires a balance between deep technical research and quick problem-solving under time pressure, which keeps things exciting. 

What advice would you give to prospective students who want to work in quant roles? 

Master the fundamentals of mathematics, statistics, and programming — these are non-negotiable. But also, don’t overlook communication skills: being able to explain complex concepts clearly to non-specialists is just as important as getting the maths right. Start networking early, work on side projects, and aim for relevant internships — practical experience will set you apart. 

Which skills do you apply from Computational Finance MSc in your current job? 

I regularly draw on the quantitative and programming skills from the MSc when developing and enhancing our systematic trading framework. The programming-heavy coursework, especially in Python and C++, was invaluable — I still use these languages daily to automate trading workflows, streamline execution, and identify new opportunities.  

The degree also trained me to think critically about things like modelling assumptions and market impact, which is essential when exploring new asset classes and building strategies that can be monetised. 

How instrumental was the Master’s in helping you shape your career path? 

The MSc was pivotal in helping me transition into a quant/trading role. It provided not only a solid technical toolkit but also the UCL brand, which opened doors during my job search.  

The exposure, projects, and network I gained through the programme were invaluable — without them, breaking into such a competitive field would have been far more challenging. 

How do you keep learning in the workplace?

I learn by doing — every project presents new challenges that require fresh research or a new technical approach. I also keep up with industry trends, attend conferences, and complete online courses to sharpen my skills. In trading, markets evolve constantly, so staying curious and adaptable is essential. 
 

Where would you like to be 5 years from now? 

In five years, I see myself leading a team, working on high-impact projects at the intersection of technology and financial markets. I also hope to mentor junior quants and traders, helping them navigate the steep learning curve of the industry. My goal is to continue building expertise while driving innovation in the way FX as an asset class is traded and priced.

The information on this page reflects the graduate's status at the time of publication (October 2025).