Optiver reviews

3.7

60% would recommend to a friend

(569 total reviews)

57% positive business outlook

Optiver has an employee rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars, based on 569 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Optiver employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Finance industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

569 reviews
5.0
May 3, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I joined Optiver as a graduate. I'm still with the company now because it has consistently provided me with opportunities to develop deep domain expertise and broader professional skills while working alongside inspiring engineers. This is especially true in Mumbai, where the office is still growing and new joiners can take on real responsibility quickly. Collaboration: At Optiver, it genuinely feels like everyone is working in the same direction. With the exception of some trade secrets, information is freely and frequently communicated through knowledge shares, documentation and more casual chats over lunch. The business prides itself on this culture because it means good ideas are shared quickly and there is low internal friction to getting them out in production. Autonomy: Domain expertise and product ownership are a core part of being an engineer at Optiver. Everyone is empowered to take on responsibility for systems from day 1, building the specialist knowledge needed to push them further. Direct ownership like this also minimises blockers, allowing engineers to ship changes quickly. Personal growth: Optiver has a deeply embedded feedback culture. The company has always supported me with mentors who have helped me grow with honest and actionable feedback. Even when I have clearly made a mistake, feedback has always been constructive and forward-looking.

Cons

High performance expectations: Optiver is defined by its high performance culture. This type of culture isn't free and the requirement to develop quickly isn't for everyone. As mentioned above, the business has strong structures to foster growth but this doesn't change that performance expectations are high. I think a high bar is required to remain competitive in this industry but anyone applying should know to expect this.

5.0
Mar 31, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Having spent over eight years here as an Engineer, I can confidently say this is a fantastic place to grow. The work is consistently challenging and remains at the cutting edge of the industry, which has led to our success in all the markets we trade in. Culture: The environment is genuinely fun, and I’m surrounded by smart and friendly people. Challenging work and smart peers implies the bar is high, and this is what has kept me glued-in. Growth: I’ve grown immensely as a professional. Management and peers provide the support needed to learn, upskill, and even transition into new teams. Mobility: The company encourages us to move across teams and offices to contribute where the business is growing most.

Cons

I’m being truly nitpicky, I’d love to see more dedicated space for indoor activities like table tennis, chess, carom, and a few more mild-spice options for lunch.

5.0
Mar 26, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

I have been with Optiver for over 10 years across a few offices. Prior to joining, the longest I had spent in a role was three years, so that probably says something. My time here has been thoroughly rewarding, and working in the Optiver India office continues to be an exciting ride. We are the fastest-growing APAC office, with a lot of opportunity ahead. Looking back at my time in Mumbai and at Optiver more broadly, a few things stand out: 1. Entrepreneurial Culture Optiver is a place where data drives decisions. If someone develops an algorithm that improves performance, it gets implemented. If a new signal improves a model, it gets adopted. Ideas can come from anyone, regardless of tenure. In the Mumbai office, we’re exploring new trading opportunities, which creates plenty of room for initiative across both technology and trading. 2. Startup Feel Within a Global Company Optiver Mumbai is growing quickly, but still small enough that you know most people by name. Collaboration is close-knit, engineers and traders work side by side. It is easy to form cross-functional teams and move quickly on ideas. There’s real startup-like momentum, backed by the resources and stability of a global firm. 3. Great Colleagues I’m consistently impressed by the people I work with. It’s energising to be surrounded by smart, driven colleagues aligned around a common goal. Even after many years, I’m still learning from those around me. The office has a diverse mix of expats, local hires, and people returning to India from overseas, which adds to the overall environment.

Cons

Optiver is not for everyone. It’s a high-performance environment. It is less suited to those looking for a more relaxed or steady-paced role. The expectations are high, and the pace can be quick, which some people find takes getting used to. Occasionally, people join without fully appreciating this aspect of the culture and decide it’s not the right fit for them. For those who enjoy being challenged and working in a high-performance setting, this is also what makes the experience rewarding.

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