Optiver vs IMC
Optiver and IMC are the two biggest Dutch-origin quant firms. Both arithmetic-heavy, both probability-focused — but culturally and in intensity they differ.
OVERVIEW
Optiver and IMC are the two headline Dutch-origin quant trading firms, and candidates preparing for one often apply to the other. Structurally the processes are similar: both use a timed mental-math screen, both follow with probability interviews, both run on-site rounds in Amsterdam (and increasingly Chicago). Where they differ is in intensity and culture. Optiver's 80in8 is famously the most aggressive arithmetic screen in the industry; IMC's mental-math test is comparable in format but typically less extreme. Optiver leans more competitive; IMC leans more conversational. Optiver specialises in options market-making; IMC runs a broader book across equities, options, and ETFs. For candidates who pass the arithmetic screen at one, the skills transfer cleanly to the other — but the cultural fit question is worth taking seriously.
SIDE BY SIDE
| Optiver | IMC | |
|---|---|---|
| Arithmetic test | 80in8: 80 arithmetic problems in 8 minutes. Passing threshold ~60. Industry's most aggressive arithmetic screen. | Similar structure (timed mental math with decimals/percentages), typically less extreme per-question time budget. |
| Probability interviews | Rapid-fire. Shorter problems, more of them. Interviewers sometimes interrupt to test composure. | More conversational. Similar problem content but interviewer style is less adversarial. |
| Culture | Competitive, fast-paced, trading-first. Dutch-origin directness. | Dutch-origin, flat hierarchy, trading-first — but generally described as more conversational than Optiver. |
| Trading focus | Heavy options specialisation. Greeks, volatility, Black-Scholes intuition matter for downstream roles. | Broader book: equities, options, ETFs. Less options-specific preparation needed for generic roles. |
| Offices | Amsterdam (HQ), Chicago, Sydney. | Amsterdam (HQ), Chicago, Sydney. |
| Compensation | Competitive; first-year trader total comp typically $250–400k. | Similar to Optiver; sometimes slightly below at senior levels. |
WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Options market-making is their core business; you'll see deeper options exposure earlier.
Similar skill profile tested, but the interview style is meaningfully more conversational.
Their book is broader; options specialisation is less mandatory at early career stages.
Culturally they optimise for this; the interview process itself selects for candidates who enjoy it.
FAQ
Very likely yes. The skills are effectively identical; IMC's test is typically a bit easier by the numbers. Arithmetic preparation transfers cleanly.
Structurally comparable. Optiver's funnel is slightly more aggressive at the arithmetic stage; downstream rounds are similar in technical depth.
Both run full-day on-sites in Amsterdam with multiple interviews and sometimes a trading simulation game. IMC tends to run the simulation more casually; Optiver's version is more scored.
Yes — both have structured internship programmes in Amsterdam and Chicago with conversion-to-full-time pipelines. The internship interview processes mirror full-time at reduced intensity.
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