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AM - Prop - HFT - Quantitative Researcher (C++) - Job Opportunity at Amber & Co (H.K.) Limited

Hong Kong, HK
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 29, 2025
On-site
USD 200,000 - 350,000 per year plus performance bonuses. Hong Kong-based quantitative researchers in cryptocurrency trading typically command premium salaries due to the specialized skill set required, proximity to Asian crypto markets, and the high-stakes nature of proprietary trading. Senior positions with PhD requirements and publication records often include significant equity participation and performance-based compensation.

Benefits

Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies in the rapidly evolving crypto space, providing significant career advancement potential
Access to world-class technology infrastructure and research capabilities backed by over $1 trillion in cumulative trading volume
Exposure to institutional-grade security protocols including SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications, enhancing professional credibility
Collaborative environment with 400+ global team of traders, technologists and engineers operating 24/7
Entrepreneurial culture that encourages fresh ideas and calculated risk-taking in a high-growth industry

Key Responsibilities

Lead cutting-edge artificial intelligence research initiatives specifically designed for cryptocurrency investment strategies, positioning the firm at the forefront of fintech innovation
Architect and deploy sophisticated quantitative models using advanced machine learning techniques, particularly deep learning frameworks, to drive competitive trading advantages
Collaborate strategically with technology teams to integrate predictive models into production-grade low-latency trading systems, directly impacting revenue generation
Optimize and train diverse model architectures including linear models, tree-based algorithms, and advanced deep learning systems to maximize trading performance
Conduct comprehensive model evaluation and validation to ensure robust application in high-stakes trading environments, minimizing risk exposure

Requirements

Education

Master's or PhD degree in Computer Science (preferred), Artificial Intelligence, Physics, Statistics, or other relevant technical fields

Experience

Experience in low- or high-frequency trading is a plus

Required Skills

Strong knowledge of machine learning techniques, especially deep learning, and their practical applications Solid programming skills in C++ (preferred) and Python Demonstrated academic contributions, with publications in top-tier ML conferences or journals, and a reasonable number of citations on Google Scholar
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The cryptocurrency trading industry is experiencing unprecedented growth with institutional adoption accelerating rapidly, creating massive demand for sophisticated quantitative researchers who can navigate the unique challenges of digital asset markets. Unlike traditional financial markets, crypto operates 24/7 across global exchanges with extreme volatility patterns that require specialized modeling approaches. High-frequency trading in cryptocurrency markets represents a convergence of traditional algorithmic trading expertise with blockchain technology understanding, where millisecond advantages can translate to significant profit margins. The industry is seeing increased sophistication in trading strategies as market makers and proprietary trading firms invest heavily in AI-driven approaches. Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in crypto trading are evolving beyond simple technical analysis to incorporate on-chain data analysis, sentiment analysis from social media, and cross-market arbitrage opportunities. This creates a unique niche for researchers who can combine deep learning expertise with cryptocurrency market dynamics.

Role Significance

Likely working within a quantitative research team of 8-15 researchers, reporting to a Head of Quantitative Research or Chief Technology Officer. The role involves close collaboration with technology teams for production deployment, suggesting matrix reporting relationships with both research and engineering leadership. Given Amber's 400+ employee base, this position likely influences a broader ecosystem of traders and technologists.
This is a senior-level research position requiring PhD-level expertise and demonstrated academic achievement through publications in top-tier conferences. The role carries significant autonomy in research direction and strategic influence on trading algorithms that directly impact firm profitability. The combination of research leadership and production deployment responsibilities indicates a senior contributor role with potential for technical leadership advancement.

Key Projects

Development of proprietary deep learning architectures for cryptocurrency price prediction and market microstructure analysis Implementation of real-time risk management systems using machine learning models to monitor portfolio exposure across multiple exchanges Creation of alternative data integration pipelines incorporating blockchain analytics, social sentiment, and macroeconomic indicators into trading signals Design and deployment of low-latency model inference systems capable of processing market data and generating trading signals within microsecond timeframes

Success Factors

Deep theoretical understanding of machine learning combined with practical implementation skills in production trading environments, as the role requires both academic rigor and commercial application Exceptional C++ programming capabilities for high-frequency trading systems where performance optimization can mean the difference between profitable and unprofitable strategies Strong research methodology and publication track record demonstrating ability to contribute novel insights to the academic community while maintaining commercial relevance Adaptability to the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape where market dynamics, regulations, and technological infrastructure change frequently Collaborative mindset for working across interdisciplinary teams including traders, engineers, and business stakeholders while maintaining research independence

Market Demand

Extremely high demand with limited qualified candidates. The intersection of PhD-level AI expertise, C++ programming proficiency, and cryptocurrency market understanding creates a rare skill combination. Most firms are competing aggressively for talent in this space, leading to rapid salary inflation and comprehensive benefit packages.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

C++ programming expertise is absolutely critical for high-frequency trading systems where nanosecond optimizations can determine profitability. The ability to write efficient, low-latency code that can process thousands of market updates per second while maintaining numerical accuracy is essential for success. Deep learning and machine learning knowledge forms the foundation of modern quantitative trading strategies, particularly in cryptocurrency markets where traditional financial models often fail due to unique market dynamics and limited historical data. Academic research capability demonstrated through publications ensures the ability to contribute novel insights to the rapidly evolving field of cryptocurrency trading and maintain the firm's competitive edge through proprietary research.

Beneficial Skills

Blockchain and cryptocurrency market knowledge would accelerate onboarding and provide context for research applications, though the specific technical skills can be developed on the job Traditional finance and derivatives experience could provide valuable perspective on risk management and portfolio construction in digital asset contexts Distributed systems and cloud computing expertise would be valuable for scaling research infrastructure and handling the massive data volumes generated by cryptocurrency markets

Unique Aspects

Rare opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge AI research and cryptocurrency trading, where academic research directly translates to commercial trading strategies with measurable profit impact
Access to proprietary datasets and trading infrastructure that most academic institutions and traditional finance firms cannot provide, creating unique research opportunities
The role combines publication-worthy research with immediate practical application in live trading environments, offering both academic credibility and commercial validation
Working with cryptocurrency markets provides exposure to novel financial instruments and market dynamics not found in traditional asset classes, expanding research possibilities beyond conventional finance

Career Growth

Typically 3-5 years to advance to research leadership roles given the rapid growth of the crypto industry and high demand for proven talent. The combination of academic credentials and practical trading experience creates accelerated career progression opportunities compared to traditional finance roles.

Potential Next Roles

Head of Quantitative Research leading a team of PhD researchers and setting firm-wide research strategy Chief Technology Officer overseeing technology infrastructure and research capabilities across trading operations Founding team member or CTO at a crypto trading startup leveraging accumulated expertise and industry connections Senior Research Scientist at major technology companies like Google, Meta, or Microsoft focusing on financial AI applications

Company Overview

Amber & Co (H.K.) Limited

Amber Group represents one of the leading institutional-grade cryptocurrency trading and financial services firms globally, with over $1 trillion in cumulative trading volume demonstrating significant market presence and operational scale. The company has evolved beyond pure trading to offer comprehensive digital asset services including wealth management and institutional lending, positioning it as a full-service crypto financial institution rather than a specialized trading firm.

Amber Group operates as a top-tier player in the global cryptocurrency trading ecosystem, competing directly with firms like Jump Trading, Alameda Research, and DRW in the institutional crypto space. Their emphasis on security certifications and regulatory compliance positions them well for continued institutional adoption and regulatory scrutiny in major markets.
Hong Kong location provides strategic access to Asian cryptocurrency markets while maintaining proximity to traditional financial centers. The firm's global 24/7 operations suggest significant presence across multiple time zones, with Hong Kong likely serving as the Asia-Pacific headquarters for research and trading operations.
The company culture emphasizes entrepreneurial thinking within an institutional framework, combining startup-like innovation with enterprise-grade security and compliance standards. The 400+ employee base suggests a mature organization with established processes while maintaining the agility to capitalize on crypto market opportunities.
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