Quantitative Finance Off-Cycle Internship Programme (London)

In the Quantitative Finance division, we provide critical quantitative strategies and solutions for businesses across the Firm to optimize trading tools and processes. The Morgan Stanley Quantitative Finance Off-Cycle Internship Programme in London runs for six to nine months and is aimed at students who are required to complete a long-term internship as part of their studies or have already graduated.

The programme is designed to help you explore opportunities in finance by working with quantitative specialists to evolve into an integral member of the team. Quantitative Finance interns are placed in one or more front office Strategist (“Strats”) teams, typically aligned to a sales or trading business, where you will work on projects or models. You can expect to take on significant responsibility as soon as you start.

You will work directly with sales and trading desks at a senior level, build partnerships with, and learn from, other firm functions such as technologists and risk managers, and apply your skills and subject-matter expertise to support strategic decisions, develop quantitative edge and new technologies, drive efficiencies, and effect changes.

Placement, Duration, and Training

Placement and duration: Six to nine months.

Training program: You will receive on-the-job training and one-on-one sessions to familiarize yourself with the Firm’s data resources, models, analytical tools, and AIML capability. The curriculum covers market and product knowledge as well as technical training.

Throughout the program, you will be continually exposed to Sales, Trading, and Management, and you will benefit from networking opportunities with peers and colleagues. You will also be assigned a mentor to support your transition into the corporate environment by offering career guidance, serving as a sounding board, and helping connect you to the broader Morgan Stanley network.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategists typically work closely with desks across business lines and are commercially driven and revenue-focused. The four profiles below describe different categories of roles available within Strats, and an individual role may encompass aspects of each.

• Electronic Trading Strategists: Financial and software engineers focused on clients who use the Firm’s Algorithmic Trading suite. You will advise, optimize, and help reduce the cost of execution by becoming familiar with the design and implementation of the algorithmic suite and contributing to its evolution. Client-facing responsibilities make adaptability, personality, and collaborative interpersonal skills important.
• Desk Strategists: Use statistical techniques and machine learning to develop and optimize trading strategies, tools, components, and flows. Working closely with Electronic Trading Strategists and trading desks, you will apply rigorous quantitative research and portfolio construction techniques to design systematic trading strategies and models.
• Modelling Strategists: Use applied probability and numerical analysis to create pricing models and hedging strategies that drive trading decisions. Working closely with trading desks, you will enhance the Firm’s ability to trade innovative products and improve the management of the Firm’s trading risk.
• Data Strategists: Use advanced big data, machine learning, and AI techniques to facilitate data usage, analysis, and commercialisation. Working closely with trading desks and technology, you will develop innovative approaches to improve data infrastructure, quality, and control.

Qualifications / Skills / Requirements

• Have or be studying towards a Master’s or PhD-level degree; graduated in 2026 or graduating in 2027.
• Background in mathematics, statistics, engineering, computer science, or a related field in an academic setting.
• Knowledge of Python, Scala, Java, KDB/q, C++, or a similar programming language.
• Keen interest in financial markets and a drive to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Curiosity and creativity, with the willingness to bring new ideas and approach problems differently.
• Pragmatic approach to delivering results on a timely basis.
• Practical problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal English.

Application Information

• Please submit a CV and covering letter in English as part of your application.
• You may be required to complete a coding assessment as part of your application (you will be notified if required).

What You Can Expect From Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley has a track record of innovation and a focus on unlocking new opportunities. We help clients raise, manage, and allocate capital through a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management, and asset management services. Our work is driven by five core values: do the right thing, put clients first, lead with exceptional ideas, commit to diversity and inclusion, and give back.

You will work alongside collaborators and creative thinkers across Morgan Stanley’s global offices, with opportunities to achieve your full potential. We also offer attractive and comprehensive employee benefits and perks, and support employees and their families throughout their work-life journey.

For information on global offices, copy and paste https://www.morganstanley.com/about-us/global-offices into your browser.