Delegates
Rafique Waleed
I am a passionate individual with a deep interest in theoretical and mathematical physics. My enthusiasm for problem-solving extends beyond the academic realm into the field of quantitative finance, where I aim to go into the field in the future and use my mathematical ability and physics knowledge to be applied to quantitative finance one day. My educational journey has been marked by notable accomplishments, including being named the Best Physics Student in Sixth Form, receiving the highest grades in both A-Level Physics and Economics at my school, and being the first person in my Sixth Form's history to achieve a grade A* for mathematics. In addition to my academic interests, I have a strong passion for sports. I play football and cricket regularly, and I was my school's cricket captain since Year 7. This leadership position helped me develop teamwork, strategic thinking, and perseverance. In my free time, I enjoy travelling with my family to different countries and exploring the world. These experiences broaden my perspective and enrich my understanding of diverse cultures and environments.
Yusuf Spahi
I am a first-year undergraduate student studying Physics with Theoretical Physics at Imperial College London. I have a keen interest in quantitative finance, having enrolled with the CQF Institute on a scholarship, with plans to complete the qualification by the start of next year. This program has developed my skills in applied stochastic calculus, quantitative risk, and options pricing, demonstrating my commitment to pursuing a career in quantitative research and trading. I plan to continue to improve my skills throughout my undergraduate degree, and this opportunity with Mako Trading would be invaluable in exploring my career paths. Aside from my academics, I have a passion for teaching. As an events volunteer with The Royal Institution, I demonstrate experiments and teach various scientific concepts to visitors of all ages. Additionally, I tutor GCSE and A-level mathematics and physics with The One Tuition. I am also dedicated to fitness and competitive sport. I am an active participant in both the powerlifting and boxing societies at my university, competing with other universities including UCL. I have trained in both disciplines for 3+ years and continue to lift 5-6 times a week (Bench PR: 110kg).
Dominik Orzel-Walker
I have a great interest in sports, rowing for my college at university and regularly going to the gym. Outside of exercise, I am an avid poker player and programmer. This has included completing a variety of machine learning courses, coding up a neural network from scratch for digit detection and answering maths-focused coding problems on LeetCode and Project Euler. In second year I achieved a strong 2.1 (68%) in my degree, taking a particular interest in Markov Chains, Statistics and Complex Analysis and am currently interning at Chatham Financial, a global advisory and technology firm. This has involved a heavy amount of work with derivative products and creating an Excel model for in-house use.
Clement (Chigo) Ajaegbo
I am a first-year Economics and politics student at the University of Nottingham. During my first year, I developed an interest in econometric analysis, leading me to transfer to Economics and Econometrics for my second year. I am a highly numerate and adept problem solver, as shown by my yearly performances in UKMT mathematical challenges. I notably scored best in my cohort twice - achieving 3 gold awards whilst qualifying for the Junior Mathematical Olympiad where I attained a certificate of Merit (Top 0.16% of total candidates). The prospect of finding solutions to difficult problems using quantitative techniques daily is exciting. Having participated in first-year trading programmes at Jane Street and Maven Securities, I was introduced to the fundamentals of market-making. I particularly enjoyed playing market-making games in groups, harnessing my mental arithmetic whilst making decisions under uncertainty. I also gained insights into Options Market Making, developing an understanding of the Greeks and how to hedge effectively. Adjusting theoretical pricing models to generate accurate implied volatility values was exciting. I was drawn to the need for mental agility and an understanding of the volatility surface. I am currently on a 9-week rotational summer internship at Scotiabank (1 of 3 selected), rotating across both Sales & Trading and Corporate/Investment Banking. I am keen to continue developing my knowledge of financial markets whilst stretching my quantitative abilities. In my free time, I enjoy exploring different cultures through food. I also like playing chess and table tennis. Thank you for considering my application.
Anir Bensaid
I'm Anir Florian Massin Bensaid, currently studying for my MEng in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College London. I have a keen interest in finance and technology, actively participating in societies like the Investment Society and the Algorithmic Trading Society. I've gained valuable experience through spring insights at firms such as Susquehanna International Group and Moody’s, and I was a summer analyst at AmplifyMe Trading. My competitive nature has led to notable achievements, including placing in the top 5% in Citadel’s European Trading Invitational and winning the JMAN Consulting Challenge. In my free time, I enjoy indoor climbing, playing poker and chess, and collecting £5 coins. I also mentor students through Zero Gravity, helping to promote equal access to top universities. With skills in Python, MATLAB, and C++, I've developed and optimised models and algorithms for various projects and competitions. I'm eager to continue leveraging my experiences and skills to make a meaningful impact in my field.
Ziggy Harrison
My career goals started with my dream of becoming a professional basketball player. I was in love with the fast paced, competitive nature of the game, so I was relentless when it came to succeeding. I trained for 20hrs weekly, competing in the U16 national league when I was 13. I became conflicted between my academics and sporting goals and with the global pandemic I decided to step away from basketball and focus on my academic pursuits. I now train for my university’s many Thai team. Coming from a competitive and mathematics background, I was attracted to the idea of trading. Through extensive research I have been particularly drawn to options market making due to its fast paced nature and continuously evolving environment. Volatility is of big interest to me due to its intricate theory, this is alluring to my inquisitive personality. Through experiences such as my internship at Palantir, I have found enjoyment in programming to yield elegant results. I have participated in IMC Prosperity, where I placed 10th in the UK. This gave me a experience with developing trading strategies, including market making and ETF arbitrage, using python. I enjoyed the collaborative problem solving aspect of working in a team. In my internship, I am utilising my expertise in trading, mathematics and programming to build a systematic portfolio. I have had an early exposure to various hard to obtain skills for a quantitative trader, such as, managing capital and risk, building robust code and understanding the research process.
Tanish Sharma
The use of technology and mathematics in trading interests me. Recently, I read a book called ‘An Introduction to Equity Derivatives: Theory and Practice’ by Sebastian Bossu. It contained equations and at one point discussed how equity derivatives can be modelled as probability functions. As a Physics student, I am drawn to sectors involving the stock market. The influence of world events on the stock market intrigues me, and trading stock based on analysis is fast-paced and exciting. In my personal life, I enjoy sports, regularly playing badminton, cricket and I recently started bouldering. I also enjoy reading books, particularly non-fiction because it gives me the opportunity to broaden my knowledge. I managed to achieve a predicted 2:1 in my first year at university, and I am proud to say I attended insight day/weeks at wealth management, consulting and data firms during the year. I am interested in this trading insight because of how closely it aligns with my interests, as I mentioned before, and because it’ll give me more access towards a career in trading/finance while giving me a greater understanding about the sector. MAKO is also a strong firm with a global presence, which appeals to me, since it’ll allow me to learn from respected industry professionals with a lot of experience.
Adyan Chaudry
I am a first-year student at Cardiff University pursuing a degree in Financial Mathematics. My passion for finance and trading began in high school, where I developed a keen interest in economics and financial markets. This enthusiasm led me to establish a finance blog, NeosEconomist.com, during my GCSEs, where I explored various economic theories and their real-world applications. My academic journey has been complemented by valuable work experiences at HM Treasury and the Bank of England. At HM Treasury, I contributed to teams focused on the UK’s budget, public spending, and digital finance, and delivered a presentation on "Reviving the UK’s High Streets" directly to the Chancellor and Chief Economic Advisor. At the Bank of England, I gained insights into economic modelling, interest rate setting, and regulatory frameworks for emerging cryptocurrency systems. In addition to my academic and professional pursuits, I am actively involved in several extracurricular activities. I am a founder of the university’s Investment club, where I participate in trading simulations and investment workshops. I also enjoy playing checkers and doing sudoku puzzles, as they sharpen my strategic thinking and decision-making skills, which are crucial in the trading world. One of my proudest achievements is being awarded the FT essay prize in high school, which reinforced my ability to articulate complex financial concepts clearly. I am also a keen footballer and have competed in tournaments and leagues with my university football team. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to attend the Mako Trading Insight Day, as it will provide a comprehensive overview of the trading industry and the skills required to succeed. I am eager to learn from industry professionals and gain insights that will help shape my future career in trading.
Jed Ellender
I am an ambitious mathematics student, aspiring to be a quantitative trader or researcher. I am interested in reading areas of maths and finance outside of my course, to broaden my horizons, I have been enjoying options theory and brainteaser like questions. I am currently pursing a virtual quantitative researcher and trader summer internship, using paper trading and backtesting to employ a range of different strategies and monitoring them as required. I have had an interest in trading for a few years, such as cryptocurrencies which I got involved with as soon as I turned 18, I have only recently considered the possibility of trading as a career and it excites me greatly.
Rohan Varghese
I am currently a second year engineering student at the university of Warwick eager to see how the quantitative skills from my degree can applied to solving real world problems with a particular interest in the financial markets industry. Throughout my time at university, I have been an active member of the Warwick Trading Society as well as participating in a spring insight week at Citadel Securities in April helping develop my understanding of financial markets. I was also fortunate to receive the Future Talent Scholarship from the Institute of Engineering and Technology giving me financial support during my time at university. Outside of academics, I am an avid football fan, regularly playing Sunday League Football for my local team as well as a society team at university. I also play the piano and have developed an interest in poker since joining university.
Grace Ogbureke
Throughout my academic and extracurricular journey, I have developed my leadership skills, dedication, and drive for excellence. One of my most notable achievements is being elected for the role as the General Secretary for the University of Nottingham African Caribbean Society. This role has allowed me to hone my organisational and leadership skills, manage large-scale events, and foster a sense of community amongst members. Additionally, my academic performance in my Civil Engineering has been strong, reflecting my passion and commitment to my subject area. Looking ahead, I aspire to be in a high-ranking position in a global company, specifically within the hospitality or fintech sectors. My long-term goal is to become a chartered engineer, leveraging my Engineering degree to foster innovative solutions in various industries. Ultimately, I aim to make a positive impact in the world we live in through whichever sector I might find myself in. I have a passion for travelling and embracing different cultures. Exploring new destinations, and tasting diverse cuisines not only brightens my mood but also broadens my perspective on life, which I believe is crucial for a future leader. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I enjoy discovering new foods. This passion for food and travel fuels my curiosity and creativity, inspiring me to think outside the box.
Mikail Balabey
I am a dynamic individual with a passion for combining technology and financial markets. Currently pursuing an MEng in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College London, I have consistently demonstrated academic excellence, achieving a predicted First Class Honours. My technical expertise is highlighted by projects such as developing a C++ program to solve airflow problems and a MATLAB script to analyze aerodynamic properties. Professionally, I have gained valuable experience as a Software Engineer Summer Intern at JP Morgan Chase and Co., where I developed web applications and optimized backend processes. This role, along with my participation in the Spring into Tech Insight Week, sparked my interest in the financial sector and trading. My achievements extend beyond academics and professional experience. As Chairman of the Charity Committee at City of London School for Boys, I led initiatives that raised over £30,000, showcasing my leadership and organizational skills. I also received the Abbott Scholarship and Greenspan Gift for my exceptional academic performance. Outside of my professional and academic pursuits, I am an avid sports enthusiast. I am a starter in the Men’s 1st team for Imperial College London and reached the National quarter-finals with my club. Additionally, I enjoy coding in various languages, including Python, C++, and JavaScript, and have a keen interest in financial markets, having completed the Bloomberg Market Concepts course. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports, exploring new technologies, and deepening my knowledge of market dynamics and trading strategies. My multifaceted background and relentless pursuit of excellence make me a well-rounded and driven individual, ready to tackle the challenges of the trading world.
David Tran
I am a 19-year-old aspiring finance student at the London School of Economics (LSE) with a fervent passion for finance, economics, and the stock market. Currently interning at Česká spořitelna within the Corporate Clients Needs Tribe of the Erste Group, I am gaining valuable insights into corporate finance and client relations. Previously, I interned at the UN and Prague City Hall's Investment Department, further honing my skills in financial analysis and strategic planning. Academically, I was honored with the prestigious "Řád Vršovického Lva," recognizing my contributions to Prague 10's high school community and outstanding academic achievements. Additionally, I participated in the Association for International Affairs' Prague Student Summit, a program for talented students passionate about global issues. My journey into finance began with online courses such as the Investment Management Specialization from the University of Geneva and Financial Markets from Yale University on Coursera. These courses introduced me to diverse investment strategies and philosophies, influencing my approach to finance. Outside academia and work, I find solace in exploring seminal works like 'The Intelligent Investor' by Benjamin Graham and 'One Up on Wall Street' by Peter Lynch. These books have shaped my perspective on market dynamics, risk management, and the value of long-term investing. Eager to leverage my academic background, internships, and passion for finance, I am excited about the opportunity to participate in Mako Insight Day. It represents a significant step towards realizing my career aspirations in the dynamic world of finance.
Karlton Charles
I'm a very competitive individual; whatever it is that I do, I want to win. Naturally, this led me to fall in love with sports; specifically football which I've played all my life and currently play for my University team winning the annual Varsity match against Cambridge.
Idil Hussein
Ever since I was young, I have had a keen interest in data, numbers, and problem-solving. This passion has driven my academic journey, leading me to achieve the highest grades across all my subjects at A-level. My dedication to excellence in education is matched by my enthusiasm for extracurricular activities. Serving as the treasurer of the Somali Society, I have successfully managed the organization's finances, ensuring transparency and efficiency in all monetary dealings. My academic accomplishments include top grades in mathematics, physics, and computer science, which have honed my analytical and quantitative skills. This strong foundation has prepared me well for the challenges and opportunities presented by a STEM insight day. Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I find relaxation and balance through my hobbies. Reading allows me to explore new ideas and gain diverse perspectives, while rock climbing offers a physical and mental challenge that keeps me grounded and focused. These activities complement my intellectual interests, providing a well-rounded approach to personal development. I am eager to bring my passion for data, numbers, and problem-solving to new heights through this STEM insight day, where I can further develop my skills and contribute to innovative solutions.