High-Speed Trading Firms in India Offer Record $18,000 Monthly Internships

High-speed trading firms in India are significantly increasing their compensation packages for interns, with offers reaching up to 1.25 million rupees (approximately $18,000) per month in 2025. This marks a threefold increase from the previous year, as firms scramble to secure talented individuals from prestigious engineering institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). According to insiders familiar with the matter, Quadeye, another major player in the sector, has also raised its intern compensation to 750,000 rupees, a 50% increase compared to 2024.

The surge in internships and salary packages comes despite a backdrop of heightened regulatory scrutiny from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The regulatory body has intensified its oversight of the equity derivatives market, which has seen a significant drop in trading volumes—over 40% since its peak in 2024—following concerns aimed at protecting retail investors.

The allure of India’s equity derivatives market remains strong, particularly for foreign funds and proprietary trading desks, which generated approximately $7 billion in gross profits in the year leading up to March 2024. Daniel Vaz, co-head of quant and trading technology recruiting at Aquis Search, stated, "The demand for profitable traders is as strong as ever. We’re receiving inquiries to set up new trading desks almost every month, demonstrating intense competition for top-tier traders, quantitative researchers, and trading system engineers in India."

Even with regulatory challenges, firms such as Amsterdam-based IMC Trading and home-grown competitors are not retreating. The controversy surrounding the Jane Street Group LLC, which was accused by SEBI of manipulating prices, has not deterred other firms from entering the high-speed trading sector. Jane Street is currently contesting SEBI's allegations, claiming it has been denied access to necessary documents to defend itself.

Brokers like Estee Advisors and iRage Broking Services LLP acknowledge that while potential clients are exhibiting caution in light of regulatory developments, there remains a steady influx of firms eager to establish a presence in high-frequency trading. Meanwhile, companies such as Optimus Prime Securities and Research are expanding their high-frequency trading operations, with plans from the Bilakhia Group to delve into this sector through its partnership with Minix Holdings.

In a related development, Citadel Securities, led by billionaire Ken Griffin, hired an options trader in India in August 2025 and intends to bolster its workforce further, as reported by Bloomberg. The Miami-based firm, which opened its Gurugram office in 2022, is also acquiring minority stakes in India's National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange.

Despite the challenges posed by regulatory scrutiny, Sandeep Tyagi, founder of Estee Advisors, remains optimistic, stating, "We’re still seeing very robust interest. As the issues surrounding Jane Street become clearer, we anticipate that interest in the market will only grow."

The competitive landscape in India's high-frequency trading sector necessitates agility and rapid adaptation to shifting market dynamics. Rajib Borah, CEO of iRage, noted that trading strategies that previously proved profitable for months now require reassessment every couple of months due to accelerated "alpha decay," where investment strategies lose their effectiveness over time.

Overall, the unprecedented salaries being offered to interns reflect the high stakes and fierce competition in India's burgeoning high-speed trading industry, as firms vie for the brightest minds to navigate an increasingly complex market environment.