QUANTITATIVE TRADING PROJECTS
Predicting Market Movement and Backtesting Trading Strategies
Mark Rendle
Mechanical Engineer & Algo Trader
Mark Rendle
Mechanical Engineer & Algo Trader
EPAT Faculty
Dr. Ernest P Chan
CEO, Predictnow.ai
Dr. Euan Sinclair
Partner, Talton Capital Management
Dr. Robert Kissell
President, Kissell Research Group
Brian Christopher
Founder, Blackarbs LLC
Dr. Thomas Starke
CEO, AAAQuants
Dr. Yves J. Hilpisch
CEO, The Python Quants
Dr. Hui Liu
Founder, Running River Investments LLC & Author of IBridgePy
Dr. Gaurav Raizada
Co-Founder, iRage Capital
Rajib Ranjan Borah
Co-Founder, iRage Capital
Anil Yadav
Systematic Trading Strategies, iRage Capital
Ashutosh Dave
Manager, Quantitative Research, OSTC Ltd
Ishan Shah
AVP, Content & Research, QuantInsti
Jay Parmar
Quantitative Researcher, OSTC Ltd
Nitesh Khandelwal
Co-Founder, iRage Capital
Nitin Aggarwal
Co-founder, Alphom Advisory
Prodipta Ghosh
VP, Fin-tech Product Head, QuantInsti
Radha Krishna Pendyala
Data Scientist, Refinitiv
Varun Pothula
Quantitative Analyst, QuantInsti
Dr. Ankur Sinha
Associate Professor, IIM Ahmedabad
Vivek Krishnamoorthy
Head of Research & Content, QuantInsti
120+
Hours Live Lectures
20+
World Class Faculty
300+
Hiring Partners
90+
Participant Countries
3 Pillars of EPAT
Statistics & Econometrics
Quantitative Trading Techniques
Financial Computing
Python (key focus), Excel, MATLAB
Backtesting & Market Data
Equity, FX, Options, Futures, ETFs
1 EPAT Primer
- Stock market basics: Learning about financial markets and a brief understanding of how they work.
- Excel primer: Spreadsheet basics, learning to format and visualize data, using built -in functions to summarize and manipulate data, working with examples to familiarize yourself with spreadsheets.
- Python primer: Learning to work with Python in multiple ways (Spyder IDE, Jupyter Notebook), variables, data structures, functions, key libraries used
- Options primer: Learning terminology used, types of options, volatility and its types, and simple options trading strategies.
- Statistics primer: Introduction to descriptive statistics, probability theory, probability distributions, standard statistical distributions, inferential statistics, Introduction to linear regression.
- Macroeconomics primer: Introduction to key macroeconomic ideas like inflation, exchange rates, GDP, interest rates, fiscal and monetary tools.
- Machine learning for trading primer: Basic machine learning concepts, types of ML, and their application to trading, supervised and unsupervised ML algorithms with their implementation in financial markets.
- We will conduct two preparatory sessions to answer queries and resolve doubts on the statistics primer and the Python primer
2 Statistics for Financial Markets
- Key ideas in statistics and probability, and animating them with financial market data
- Creating and analyzing quant trading strategies on spreadsheets, creating charts to interpret their performance
- Learning portfolio construction and optimizing them using modern portfolio theory
- Introduction to Monte Carlo simulations and their applications on market data
- Studying the random walk model to predict future stock prices using simulations and assessing outcomes
- Understanding the capital asset pricing model
3 Python: Basics & Its Quant Ecosystem
- Data types, variables, Python in-built data structures, inbuilt functions, logical operators, and control structures
- Introduction to the main libraries in the data science stack: NumPy, pandas, and matplotlib
- Learning to write functions in Python
- Studying pandas routine used to analyze and visualize OHLCV data
- Writing and backtesting trading strategies
- Two Python tutorials will be conducted to answer queries and resolve doubts on the material covered in the lectures
4 Market Microstructure for Trading
- Overview of Electronic and Algorithmic Trading.
- Understanding market terminology, order book concepts and order types
- Introduction to execution strategies
- Understanding investment styles and trading algorithms
- Learning trading analytics
- Case studies
5 Equity, FX, & Futures Strategies
- Understanding of Equities Derivative market
- VWAP strategy: Implementation, effect of VWAP, maintaining log journal
- Different types of Momentum (Time series & Cross-sectional)
- Trend following strategies and Statistical Arbitrage Trading strategy modeling with Python
- Arbitrage, market making and asset allocation strategies using ETFs
- Introduction to position sizing and risk management
6 Data Analysis & Modeling in Python
- Learning to backtest and analyze 4-5 strategies on Python using historical data
- Understanding object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts and using OOP to backtest trading strategies
- Glimpse of the basic cloud infrastructure to host automated Python strategies
- Learning to test event-driven strategies and to optimize trade parameters
- Learning the work flow of a quant strategy
- Two tutorials will be conducted to answer queries and resolve doubts related to the material covered in the related lectures
7 Machine Learning for Trading
- Classical ML algorithms: Support Vector Machines (SVM), k-means clustering, logistic regression, decision trees, random forests
- Introduction to deep learning: Neural networks, gradient descent, and backpropagation algorithms
- Using Python to build and evaluate ML models for potential trading strategies (by creating features and selecting suitable ones)
- Learning principal component analysis (PCA) and using it to create statistical arbitrage strategies in multiple co-integrated assets
- Learning about alternate data: sources, data formats, storage and retrieval
- Introduction to deep reinforcement learning and implementing RL in a simple strategy using 'gamification'
8 Trading Tech, Infra & Operations
- Understanding the system architecture of a traditional trading system
- Understanding the system architecture of an automated trading system
- Assessing the challenges in building a trading system
- Learning about the infrastructure (hardware, software, network, etc.) requirements to start an algo trading desk
- Understanding the business environment (including regulatory, financials, etc.) to start an algo trading desk
- Overview on business requirements to start an algo trading desk
- Examples of starting out in developing markets and developed markets
9 Advanced Statistics for Quant Strategies
- Learning time series-centric terminology like stationarity, ACF, PACF
- Learning common features of financial asset returns
- Introduction to the ARIMA family of models
- Learning to model volatility
- Introduction to ARCH and GARCH models
- Building and testing trading strategies using time series modeling techniques on Python
10 Trading & Back-testing Platforms
- Introduction to the Interactive Brokers (IB) platform and Blueshift
- Working with IB Trader WorkStation (TWS) and the IB TWS API architecture
- Learning the REST API (used by hundreds of brokers worldwide) and its components
- Exposure to multiple Python solutions for algo trading
- Learning to use IBridgePy (API used to backtest and live trade strategies with brokers like Interactive Brokers, Robinhood, TD Ameritrade)
- Managing multiple accounts as a fund manager
11 Portfolio Optimization & Risk Management
- Learning about different methods to evaluate portfolio and strategy performance
- Understanding risk management: sources of risk, risk limits, risk evaluation and mitigation, risk control systems
- Trade sizing for individual trading strategies using historical methodologies, Kelly criterion, and leverage space theorem
- Profitability analysis of individual strategies
- Building a portfolio with multiple stocks
- Profitability analysis of a portfolio
12 Options Trading & Strategies
- Introduction to options, payoff diagrams, common option structures
- General option trading principles, model-independent option features
- Option pricing variables and parameters
- Option pricing concepts (Black-Scholes-Merton)
- Options Greeks
- Options trading (early exercise and expiration trading)
- Risk management and trade evaluation
- Volatility premium
- Volatility trading with options, realized and implied volatility
- Hedging in practice
13 Hands-on Project
- Self-study project work under the mentorship of a domain expert
- Project topic can come from different areas of financial market trading (be it asset class, techniques used, market selected) and can help crystallize your learnings from the EPAT into something concrete
14 EPAT Exam
- EPAT exam is conducted at proctored centers in 80+ countries
Certification
This programme has been accredited by The Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF, Singapore) under the IBF Standards. IBF-STS provides upto 50% funding for direct training costs subject to a cap of S$ 3,000 per candidate per programme subject to all eligibility criteria being met. This is applicable to Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents, physically based in Singapore. Find out more on www.ibf.org.sg
EPAT is accredited by CPD, UK (Continuing Professional Development, UK)
Lehigh University shall award a $12,000 scholarship to graduates of Executive Program in Algorithmic Trading (EPAT); provided that such students have been admitted to Lehigh University’s Masters in Financial Engineering program or MS, Business Analytics program in accordance with Lehigh’s standard procedures.
QuantInsti has registered this program with GARP for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. Attending this program qualifies for 30 GARP CPD credit hours. If you are a Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM®), or Energy Risk Professional (ERP®), please record this activity in your Credit Tracker.
What is Your Learning Goal?
Alumni Benefits
Benefits
Post-course networking events, group projects, and mentorship programs
Lifelong algo trading learning: Access to updated & full EPAT content
$12000 Scholarship for Masters in Financial Engineering in the USA
Lifetime Placement Services: Weekly job postings and upskill opportunities
EPATian Convocation Ceremony
Trader Outcomes
Benefits
Backtest & Live Trade
Access to Real Market Data
Setup Your Quantitative Trading Desk
Find Funds for your Trading Venture
Broker Integrations
EPAT Benefits
Learner Reviews
We have a 4.8 rating out of 300+ Google reviews
Marcus Coleman
United States 
QuantInsti is the best place to learn professional algorithmic and quantitative trading. The EPAT program is a highly structured and hands-on learning experience, and it's being updated frequently.The facu… See More
QuantInsti is the best place to learn professional algorithmic and quantitative trading. The EPAT program is a highly structured and hands-on learning experience, and it's being updated frequently.The faculty and staff are extremely competent and available to address any concerns you may have.Upon completion of the EPAT program, you will have the necessary tools to begin a career in algorithmic/ quantitative trading.
Wei Jie
United States
I find this program great. Before taking this program, I had not any experience in Quant-trading. I studied mathematics at university and worked as a private banker in China. I am very interested in Quant-… See More
I find this program great. Before taking this program, I had not any experience in Quant-trading. I studied mathematics at university and worked as a private banker in China. I am very interested in Quant-trading. So I took this program. And now, I can write a simple pair-trading strategy, use Monte Carlo simulation to predict, and gained the necessary AI knowledge for further self-learning. This program is very useful for me. And the learning assistant is great too. He communicated with me every two weeks and always answered my queries very soon.
Jad Mawlawi
United Kingdom
EPAT has been a great experience for me. It is definitely the best program out there to learn quantitative finance and algorithmic trading. The team was, and still is, very helpful and caring. The course i… See More
EPAT has been a great experience for me. It is definitely the best program out there to learn quantitative finance and algorithmic trading. The team was, and still is, very helpful and caring. The course itself is a combination of different disciplines, including programming, finance, and statistics, taught by a very knowledgeable and experienced faculty.
Billy Davila
United States
I recently completed the EPAT program from QuantInsti, and it was a rich experience. I learned more here than I did in my university curriculum. This is mainly because the EPAT course is very practical, an… See More
I recently completed the EPAT program from QuantInsti, and it was a rich experience. I learned more here than I did in my university curriculum. This is mainly because the EPAT course is very practical, and I was able to learn a lot in such a short time. It provided me with a lot of theoretical and practical knowledge in the algorithmic trading domain. Besides their excellent curriculum, the support team is friendly, dedicated, and always there to support you during your EPAT journey. They also have a placement team that keeps you updated with career opportunities. However, keep in mind that your background will influence how well you fit into those career opportunities. They also have a self-paced learning portal named Quantra, which I really enjoy. Overall, they are excellent at what they do.
Venka Challa
United States
EPAT is a great course for anyone who likes to learn algo-trading. The course work is quite comprehensive. Though I have years of experience in discretionary trading, taking EPAT got me introduced to this … See More
EPAT is a great course for anyone who likes to learn algo-trading. The course work is quite comprehensive. Though I have years of experience in discretionary trading, taking EPAT got me introduced to this phenomenal area. And I am happy I did it. Starting with Excel, which is used by almost all institutional traders and retail traders alike, the courses teach you the most relevant Python language constructs.For me, this was quite helpful because I am not a developer and didn't know where to start with programming languages for Trading. The course takes you through the most basic ideas using Excel and Python to complex trading arenas such as Options trading.ML courses were quite helpful as well since EPAT courses guide you through the usage of ML in Trading. One of the best features of EPAT course structure is that they bring industry experts to teach you real- world scenarios.Some of these traders are world - renowned, in fact(at least in the Trading arena).Overall, I do not hesitate to recommend EPAT to anyone who likes to learn algo - trading!
Srikhanth Hanumanthapaa
United States
Quant Insti helped improve my Quant skills and trading strategies to execute in Python.I was learning the EPAT course from the USA and highly recommend this course to all aspiring Algo Traders and Quant De… See More
Quant Insti helped improve my Quant skills and trading strategies to execute in Python.I was learning the EPAT course from the USA and highly recommend this course to all aspiring Algo Traders and Quant Developers.Great teaching faculty, and Siddu was great at mentoring me and helping with the course.I recommend EPAT and Quantra classes from QuantInsti.A great platform to learn and excel.Worldwide job placements are excellent after the course.
Jonathon Stanton
United States
This is a fantastic course; it's hard work, but you'll get a lot out of it. The support team is definitely one hundred percent there to help anybody achieve their goals. Despite this, algorithmic trading i… See More
This is a fantastic course; it's hard work, but you'll get a lot out of it. The support team is definitely one hundred percent there to help anybody achieve their goals. Despite this, algorithmic trading is not an easy profession.
Simon Lafrenière
Canada
I would highly recommend taking the EPAT program to anyone interested in becoming a successful algorithmic trader. The course material is excellent; the teachers are experienced and expose the learnings in… See More
I would highly recommend taking the EPAT program to anyone interested in becoming a successful algorithmic trader. The course material is excellent; the teachers are experienced and expose the learnings in a clear and assimilable manner. You develop both a general understanding and dive deep into the specifics to develop all the skills required to succeed. They do their best to answer our questions, and the recordings allow us to learn at our own pace. All the staff members are very nice and supportive. They make sure we receive the best value from our investment in this high-quality education with them. The alumni network is very active and passionate about growing as a community. This is rare in my experience with online learning. Thank you to everyone at Quantinsti for making our experience so positive!
Pratik Mangwani
United States
EPAT is one of the best investments one can make to get started in the quant industry. Esteemed faculty, with real-life use cases of all teachings, make the course highly valuable with the skills taught. G… See More
EPAT is one of the best investments one can make to get started in the quant industry. Esteemed faculty, with real-life use cases of all teachings, make the course highly valuable with the skills taught. Great alumni services and community, coupled with fantastic support from the staff.
Alvin Sims
United States
Great program. They stay with you after the courses are finished. A true trading family!
Great program. They stay with you after the courses are finished. A true trading family!
Lusine Baghdasaryan
United States
I have recently become an EPATIAN and would love to share how delighted I am with the EPAT program. IT IS A COMPREHENSIVE, practical, hands-on, and at the same time, theoretical program. It gives you good … See More
I have recently become an EPATIAN and would love to share how delighted I am with the EPAT program. IT IS A COMPREHENSIVE, practical, hands-on, and at the same time, theoretical program. It gives you good knowledge of the financial markets and backtesting opportunities with several software packages. The program is taught by professionals, traders with PhDs, professors of renowned universities, and founders of hedge funds. The staff is helpful and very nice; they have supported me at high levels with every single request I have made! It’s a great program, and I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in entering financial markets!
FAQs
What is the fee for EPAT?
The standard fee for EPAT is $7999. The updated fee details are available here. Qualified applicants are provided with financial assistance and flexible payment plans.
What financial assistance is available?
Financial assistance provided to qualified applicants include but are not limited to the following:
- Merit based scholarship - QuantInsti offers scholarship to deserving candidates who score well in the test available here
- Student discounts - QuantInsti believes in investing in the future of tomorrow, the students of today. We have a discounted fee for full-time students.
- Participants from Emerging Markets - Special consideration is given to participants from Emerging Markets so that the programme is more affordable.
- Flexible Payment Plans - QuantInsti is partnered with financial institutes that provide education-related flexible payment plans to Indian resident participants.
- This programme has been accredited under the IBF Standards, and is eligible for funding under the IBF Standards Training Scheme (IBF-STS), subject to all eligibility criteria being met. A participant must successfully complete the EPAT programme (including passing all relevant assessments and examinations) in order to be eligible. Prospective participants are advised to assess the suitability of the programme and its relevance to participants’ business activities or job roles.IBF-STS provides upto 50% funding for direct training costs subject to a cap of S$ 3,000 per candidate per programme subject to all eligibility criteria being met. This is applicable to Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents, physically based in Singapore. Find out more on www.ibf.org.sg
- Indian residents can avail of the rebate on the applicable fee of EPAT. The benefits can be availed by:
- Direct Subsidy Benefits - Applicable to individuals with an annual income up to INR 2 million (Indian Rupees 20 lakhs) per annum
- Employees of Public Sector Services/Enterprises (PSEs) & Stock/Commodity Exchanges and Regulatory bodies (SEBI, RBI, IRDA, etc), including retired employees from these enterprises.
- Defence personnel (both current and ex-servicemen, including those served/serving under short service commission) & Medical professionals.
- Full-time academia, including full-time students & full-time professors/lecturers.
Get in touch with our programme counselors here.
What is the EPAT scholarship test?
It is an online test comprising of college-level questions from relevant disciplines: Statistics, Financial Markets, Options, and Programming. For high scorers, a merit-based discount is applicable to their EPAT fees. You can take the test here. Please note, that you get only one attempt for the test.
What is the admission process for EPAT?
It is a simple three step process:
- Submit your application form here.
- Wait for your application to get accepted.
- Pay the fees.
Soon after the successful receipt of your EPAT fees & acceptance, you are given access to the learning management system (LMS portal) and your EPAT journey begins!
Before admission, we offer to facilitate a one-on-one counselling session that will focus on understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the participant. These sessions do not necessarily decide the participants’ eligibility but help counsellors assist them with informed guidance prior to enrolment.
Would I get a refund if I change my mind after enrolling?
We provide an opportunity to clear all your doubts about the programme prior to enrollment. Also, you get access to a dedicated team support even before your EPAT programme starts. Therefore, we follow a no refund policy.
While pursuing my undergraduate/bachelor’s degree, can I apply and be accepted into EPAT?
Yes, you can apply. College students can benefit from EPAT by making themselves “more recruitable” with the required practical skills in the financial markets domain. EPAT alumni include college students who bagged good roles after successful completion of their college degree and EPAT.
Please note that while QuantInsti offers lifetime placement services to all EPAT alumni, it does not guarantee any placements.
QuantInsti offers student discounts to all full-time students, which can be availed by sharing the valid college ID proof and other required documents.
Send us your details by filling the application form here and we will arrange a counselling call for you.
Without programming or technology background, can I apply and be accepted into EPAT?
Traders and financial market professionals who don’t have programming experience, can benefit & prepare themselves for their EPAT journey with the help of the primer content shared upon your successful enrollment. This is a self-study, interactive module which helps you code, understand basics and prepare yourself for the classroom sessions which cover advance and complex concepts as well. The primer module also contains a test which helps participants assess their learning.
Without trading or financial markets experience, can I apply and be accepted into EPAT?
Yes, you can apply. If you are from engineering or quantitative sciences background, you might already have some basic exposure to the skills required for Algorithmic trading domain. To check your eligibility in EPAT, apply for the scholarship test here. EPAT counsellors will get in touch with you and guide you further.
For beginners in Quantitative domain, EPAT offers primer modules on Statistics, Econometrics, Options, Financial markets, Excel computation and Python programming along with assessment tests in each of these categories.
How many batches run in a year?
Historically, we have been running 4 batches of EPAT in a year.
What is the last date to apply for the upcoming batch?
The updated dates and fees related information is available here.
How long is the QuantInsti’s Executive Programme in Algorithmic Trading®?
Although, the course duration is of six months, you get more time for self-study and prepare for the course if you enroll early.
The enrollment for a batch starts around four months prior to the actual programme start date. As soon as you enroll successfully, you are provided with access to the student portal where you start with the primer content. You prepare on topics like Statistics, Econometrics, Options, Financial markets basics, Excel computation and Python programming.
From the batch starting date till batch closing date, you will get a period of six months to attend lectures, complete assignments, tests, project work and take the final examination.
What industry recognitions does EPAT hold?
- This programme has been accredited under the IBF Standards, and is eligible for funding under the IBF Standards Training Scheme (IBF-STS), subject to all eligibility criteria being met. A participant must successfully complete the EPAT programme (including passing all relevant assessments and examinations) in order to be eligible. Prospective participants are advised to assess the suitability of the programme and its relevance to participants’ business activities or job roles.IBF-STS provides upto 50% funding for direct training costs subject to a cap of S$ 3,000 per candidate per programme subject to all eligibility criteria being met. This is applicable to Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents, physically based in Singapore. Find out more on www.ibf.org.sg
- EPAT is accredited by CPD, UK (Continuing Professional Development, UK)
- QuantInsti has registered this program with GARP for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits. Attending this program qualifies for 30 GARP CPD credit hours. If you are a Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM®), or Energy Risk Professional (ERP®), please record this activity in your Credit Tracker.
How are the primer and basic topics covered in the programme?
Before the starting of a batch or/and during the first month, the primer topics in the fields of Statistics, Econometrics, Options, Financial markets basics, Excel computation and Python programming are covered. There are short tests on each of these topics which allow participants to test their knowledge in these fields.
2 preparatory lectures have been introduced to EPAT: Lecture 1 - Python and Lecture 2 - Statistics. These lectures would be conducted 2 weeks prior to the beginning of EPAT lectures and would be extremely beneficial in establishing your base in these topics.
The first month is on introductory topics in Algorithmic Trading such as basic statistics, programming basics and understanding of order book & execution strategies so that a strong foundation is laid for the rest of the programme.
What kind of advanced topics are covered in the programme?
What kind of advanced topics are covered in the programme Advanced topics include time series analysis, machine learning in trading, event-based execution, market making, equities and ETF trading-based strategies, market microstructure, event-driven backtesting, and trading with mixture models among others. Different programming languages and tools used in the programme include Excel, Python, and Matlab. The programme allows participants to specialize in an asset class/strategy paradigm through project work which includes working under a domain expert's mentorship. To receive the detailed curriculum, please write to us at sales@quantinsti.com.
How many hours of commitment is required on a weekly basis to perform well in the programme?
Typically 8-12 hours of self study, along with 6-8 hours of live lectures are required weekly to do well in the programme.
What are my options if I can’t complete programme requirements within allotted period of time?
Your dedicated Support Manager will help you throughout the programme to ensure that you do not lag behind. Even if it happens, then depending on the completion date, you may choose the self-paced learning option available with a few months of extension. If you meet the minimum criterion for certification, you might be given the Certification of Participation in case you do not pass the final examination.
Under what circumstances, can I move to a later batch?
You can apply for a batch defer to a later one, before the starting date of your enrolled batch. If your application is complete along with all required documents and it fulfills the required criteria, you could be moved to a later batch.
What kind of certification is provided after successful completion?
The course participants who complete the coursework along with the final EPAT exam successfully are awarded ‘Certification of Excellence’. In case a participant is not able to clear the exam due to any reason but has completed most of the course work, (s)he would be awarded with a ‘Certification of Participation’.
What is the minimum passing requirement to be eligible for ‘Certification of Excellence’?
The minimum requirements to be eligible for ‘Certification of Excellence’ includes certain percentage of
- Attendance in lectures or time spent in watching the recordings
- Score in quizzes and assignments
- Score in the mid-term examination
- Score in the final examination
What is EPAT Project?
EPAT Project is practical, self-driven, strategy creation or business related research work that participants carry out under mentorship of the respective domain expert. The project work is optional and carries no weightage in the final score. However, it serves as an excellent opportunity for the driven and motivated candidates to specialize in an asset class or strategy paradigm by working with relevant data and quant platform(s). Collaborative project work allows participants to work together with fellow classmates.
Will I, as an EPAT participant, be given access to a trading software as a part of the course?
You will be required to work on different platforms and softwares in the programme. Most of these platforms and softwares are either open-sourced or their free/demo versions are available for EPAT participants. You would not be required to purchase any product for learning purposes. QuantInsti doesn’t sell or endorse any product used in the programme. It is only recommended for learning purposes.
Will I, as an EPAT participant, be given new trading strategies?
You will be taught different strategy paradigms by experts in their domains. QuantInsti does not claim to offer ‘profitable strategies’. EPAT aims to deliver the concepts & advanced techniques to create various types of Quantitative Strategies.
Will I, as an EPAT participant, be helped to set up my own trading desk and start live trading?
EPAT curriculum includes topics on business environment and setting up on your trading desk in which participants get to interact live with faculty and experts who have domestic and international experience in running Algorithmic & Quantitative trading, including HFT business. The participants are exposed to the dynamics involved in setting up an algorithmic trading desk.
What are the prerequisites to start with the programme?
You need to have:
- A personal computer with the minimum configuration as: Operating system such as Windows: (Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10) or Mac: Mac (v 10.10), Mac(v 10.11), Mac(v 10.12), Mac(v 10.13). Additionally, you will need some software/programming languages installed on your system in order to have hands-on experience as well as finishing the program. List of required software and the installation manuals will be shared with you before the programme starts.
- Language skills: You should be able to understand spoken and written English well.
- Enough time and motivation: You should be able to devote 10-15 hours on a weekly basis at the least. The more the better!
What are the benefits of being an EPAT alumnus?
Career Assistance: Continual career guidance from the experts! One of the EPATians got placed after 6 years of completing EPAT.
Lifelong learning content: EPAT alumni keep themselves up-to-date with the latest EPAT content curated by the experts.
Ancillary resources and services (Quantra, Blueshift): EPAT alumni are given access to ancillary services including access to the trading platform, special discounts on quantitative trading related events & resources, invitations to conferences, sometimes exclusively!
Access to Quant network: Opportunity to connect with EPATians from 90+ countries, helping to create a global network of Quants and Algo traders. Country specific meetups are arranged for participants/alumni and faculty to get together occasionally.
Exclusive Invites to Webinars and Workshops for EPAT alumni: They attend the Guest lectures conducted by industry stalwarts.
You can find more details on our Alumni page.
What are the features of EPAT?
The following are some of the novel features of the Executive Programme in Algorithmic Trading (EPAT):
Specialized EPAT environment: Set up your very own customized yet comprehensive virtual environment in just one go. It helps you overcome the challenges usually faced by individuals while learning to code in a hassle-free and seamless manner.
Bonus study material for increasing fluency in Python: Exclusive practice materials are provided to participants who complete the assigned activities diligently and timely. This gives you an edge during the selection, job assignment and interview processes.
New Assignments: Topics ranging from Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, to High Latency Trading, Market Microstructure and more, a variety of assignments equip you with the latest techniques used in the industry.
Cloud infra for Trading: A dedicated session on one of the most sought-after topics, it dives into the whats, hows, whys, applications, setting up and deploying strategies on cloud infrastructure, challenges, and much more.
EPAT guided mini-projects: Tackle everyday real-world problems with two 10-day, optional, highly recommended guided projects that consist of Python-based coding. These are in addition to the main project in EPAT.
Career building: One of its kind EPAT-exclusive online sessions to assist participants. Get guidance in decoding job descriptions and prepare you for quant roles for opportunities with 300+ placement partners across 20 countries.
Can I, an EPAT participant, attend classroom sessions?
Yes, you can attend a few classroom sessions in Mumbai, India, when the concerned faculty is based in Mumbai. Since most of the faculty members are located outside Mumbai, even if you are present in the QuantInsti classroom, you will be attending the lecture online. The weekly announcements mentions about the sessions happening in Mumbai.
Can I, an EPAT participant, attend online sessions on a mobile/tablet?
Yes, you can attend the sessions on the go using the required apps on smartphones and tablets. But we recommend attending sessions on your laptop/desktop as most of the sessions are hands-on.
Is the course 100% online or does any part of it involve physical presence?
It is 100% online. You can opt for writing the exam at your nearby centre of our exam partner or remotely from home, given the pre-requisites are met.
How will I learn practical aspects of trading online?
In many ways:
- The curriculum is practice oriented. It is designed by practitioners who try to ensure that you learn the concepts really well from practitioner perspective.
- During practical sessions, the faculty would ask you to work along on your machine and might even quiz you in between and interact with you personally
- We believe in data, data, data. Almost every concept is discussed around data from financial markets.
- You would need to practice a lot on your own. This will be ensured through assignments which are open-ended and are individually graded.
Will I trade in live markets during classroom sessions?
No, you will not trade in live markets during the lecture hours or in the classroom sessions. However, you will be taught to paper trade and experts will share nuances that differ paper and live trading environment. When you take your strategies live and have doubts, as EPAT participant/alumni, you can get the required guidance from the faculty.
How will I, as an EPAT participant, interact with faculty members?
In many ways:
- During the lecture you get to interact with the faculty
- Post or before the lecture, you get to share your doubts and queries which will be resolved by the faculty
- During EPAT project work, you get to work under mentorship of a faculty member
- You can also interact with faculty through your support manager anytime!
What kind of help/assistance is available to an EPAT participant?
- A dedicated Support Manager who will guide you for the entire period of six months. Your manager will resolve your doubts and keep you motivated and engaged in this new and demanding career path
- You will get advice and answers from the faculty members who are industry practitioners
- You get career assistance from the career team, you will get help in building your resume, career counselling and more. You will start receiving job postings from the very first month
- We will share with you additional links & content to further enhance your learning
- Dedicated alumni cell is available post completion to help them grow in the algo domain and network with fellow alumnus
- Life long access to updated lecture notes and videos after you complete EPAT course successfully.
Which books and learning materials are available to an EPAT participant?
QuantInsti provides you with two books to be referred to during the programme.
- Trading and Exchanges: Market Microstructure for Practitioners - Larry Harris
- Algorithmic Trading: Winning Strategies and Their Rationale - Dr. Ernest P. Chan (Also a faculty member)
Before starting EPAT, we provide primer modules to give you a head start and familiarize you with basics concepts and tools used during the programme. We also share additional links & content to further enhance your learning.
What is the course schedule?
The total duration of the course is 6 months. It comprises of 4 parts:
- Live Lectures
- Test & Assignments
- Live Project (optional)
- Final Examination
Each lecture would ideally be of around 3 hours in duration, with two lectures in a week. The lectures take place over the weekends. To receive the detailed curriculum, please do write to us at sales@quantinsti.com.
How can I write the EPAT exam?
EPAT Exams are conducted at the Prometric centres globally. Every year, there are four exam windows/weeks, during which you can schedule your own exam based on the availability of the slot at the nearest Prometric centre in your country. You may also write exam using the Remote proctoring basis availability.
How can I get to know about the nearest exam centre?
Your account manager will help you with the details. Just share your city, country and the postal code with your account manager and (s)he will share the nearest centre. Also, with every batch, new centres are added, hence, you should check for the exam centre for the upcoming exams only.
What happens to my certificate if I fail the exam or am unable to write the exam?
We understand your concern and respect the efforts that you put to learn. So, we may provide you with a chance for re-attempting the exam. You can check with your support manager for detailed process. Re-scheduling charges may be applicable for the scheduling the exam beyond your batch exam window.
How do I register for the exam?
One month prior to the exam, you will get an email from the Support team, explaining the process for scheduling your exam. Additionally, you may call your support manager who will guide you to schedule your exam.
How will EPAT placement team help me in my job quest?
We have a dedicated in-house career cell that addresses any career related queries. The career cell receives job openings from 300+ placement partner firms from different countries.
Apart from sharing job opportunities, career cell conducts resume strengthening trainings, mock interviews, and provides you with sample assignment questions to prepare you for selection procedure. Placement assistance starts from the very first month and continues post course completion.
Do you guarantee a job after successful completion of the programme?
Short answer: No. We give placement assistance to all interested participants and alumni and try our best to find the appropriate match, however we don't guarantee getting a job, as it depends on many factors including but not limited to participants’ skillsets, past experience, performance in interview among others.
Is the career assistance offered by EPAT team available worldwide?
We do have placement partner firms in various parts of the world. We see most opportunities coming from US, India, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
What kind of roles and positions are available to EPAT certified professionals?
QuantInsti strives to bring all possible roles in Algorithmic Trading to our participants. Some of these profiles include:
- Developer
- Quant Analyst
- Quant Researcher
- Trader
- Strategist
You can read more about this here.
As a fresher in Finance, and an expert in coding, what are my prospects in the trading industry?
Knowing programming languages and coding is required for backtesting & automating your strategies hence candidates from coding background have an advantage. Companies are on a lookout for candidates with exposure to technology and finance both.The most suitable profile for them is a Quant Developer or Coder, however they can explore other roles as well.
Are internships also part of placement services provided by EPAT team?
Yes, we get internship, full-time employment, & freelancing opportunities from our partnered firms.
How many EPAT alumni have been placed? Who are they?
We see a few candidates placed almost every month. Some of these details are shared in our monthly newsletters. Please do write to us at sales@quantinsti.com if you want more information.
What is the salary range that be expected post completion of the programme?
Job opportunities and offers depend on a number of factors such as educational background, Graduate/Post Graduate College/University, Certifications/Internships/Projects, past work experience, etc. Companies are generally looking for someone who has exposure to Tech & Finance background both.
Some examples of recent job opportunities & salary packages that we have shared with our participants through QuantInsti’s career cell are
- Quant Trader: Up to INR 2.5 million per annum + PNL/ Performance Bonus,
- HFT Trader: Up to INR 2.5 million per annum + PNL/ Performance Bonus,
- Data Scientist: Up to INR 2 million per annum,
- Quant Research Analyst: Up to INR 2.5 million per annum,
- Quantitative Trader: Up to USD 200,000 per annum + PNL Bonus,
- Quantitative Research: Up to USD 80,000 per annum,
- Quantitative Developer: Up to USD 100,000 per annum
Which hiring companies are partnered with QuantInsti?
We are currently partnered with 300+ companies, that includes Algo trading/HFT firms, investment banks, trading and brokerage houses, consulting companies. A partial list is available here.
What does QuantInsti do?
QuantInsti provides innovation and solutions to bridge the gap between finance and technology in the changing phase of the industry. It serves individuals, businesses, exchanges, data providers, brokers and other technology providers to achieve their common goal of excelling in Quant & Algo trading. QuantInsti provides both paid and free services to the industry.
- Dedicated programme for professional & career growth: EPAT®
EPAT® certification & placement services allow motivated individuals to build an exciting career in Algorithmic & Quantitative trading.
- Learn interactively at your own pace: Quantra®
Quantra is an e-learning portal that offers short, self-paced, interactive courses in topics such as Python for Trading, Machine Learning, Options Trading and many more, allowing a participant and businesses to pick and choose the skill set(s) they want to specialize into.
- Backtesting platform with historical data: Blueshift
You can code & backtest your strategies for the Indian & US markets (on daily & minute level data) with Blueshift.
- The Certificate In Sentiment Analysis And Alternative Data For Finance (CSAF™)
CSAF™ is an instructor-led course designed for finance professionals by leading Algorithmic Traders, Sentiment Pundits, Quantitative Modelling experts and HFT thought leaders.
- Free Services
- Webinars
- Blogs, tutorials and trading models
- Algorithmic trading workshops, events and modules for exchanges and industry
Where is it located?
It is located in India. The complete address is A-309, Boomerang, Chandivali Farm Road, Powai, Mumbai – 400 072.
Who are the people behind it?
QuantInsti® was founded by Algorithmic & High Frequency Traders and Experts, who also founded iRage, a leading HFT firm in Asia. On the advisory board is Dr. Ernest P. Chan, a practitioner and academician, globally renowned in his domain. The dedicated team of traders, trainers, developers and renowned expert faculty members from all across the world run the show currently. Know more here.
What is IBF Certification?
About IBF Certification
IBF Certification is an industry endorsed mark of quality for finance professionals in Singapore. Individuals who successfully complete an eligible IBF-Standards Training Scheme ("IBF-STS") accredited training and assessment programme and meet the relevant criteria may apply for IBF Certification. More information on IBF Certification can be found in here.
Is EPAT funded under IBF-STS?
Yes, EPAT is accredited by The Institute of Banking and Finance (IBF, Singapore) under the IBF Standards. This is applicable to Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents, physically based in Singapore.
How much subsidy is allowed under IBF-STS?
EPAT is accredited by IBF-STS.
This programme has been accredited under the IBF Standards, and is eligible for funding under the IBF Standards Training Scheme (IBF-STS), subject to all eligibility criteria being met. A participant must successfully complete the EPAT programme (including passing all relevant assessments and examinations) in order to be eligible. Prospective participants are advised to assess the suitability of the programme and its relevance to participants’ business activities or job roles.
IBF-STS provides upto 50% funding for direct training costs subject to a cap of S$ 3,000 per candidate per programme subject to all eligibility criteria being met. This is applicable to Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents, physically based in Singapore.
Find out more on www.ibf.org.sg.
What are the prerequisites for IBF-STS subsidy?
- You need to be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident, physically based in Singapore
- You must successfully complete the EPAT programme (including passing all relevant assessments and examinations) in order to be eligible
- You must attend at least 75% of the training
