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debates – including why there’ s always exactly one piece of birthday cake left.”
‘ True passion for trading is indispensable’ As this feature reveals how the team operates, insights drawn from their own empirical experience begin to show why this approach is effective. The question of what makes the perfect trader is widely debated, shaped by differing methodologies, asset classes, and the distinct culture of individual desks.
When this was posed to the Quoniam team, some key themes emerged, as well as some golden nuggets of advice to which traders, both incoming and incumbent, should pay heed.
Speaking about the trading desk’ s make-up, Riemenschneider affirms that“ every trader on the desk is deeply passionate about the markets and their work”.
Looking externally, the team is also quick to underline the importance of relationships across the market. While the desk works with a deep level of respect for one another, it is the long-standing relationships on the other side which often makes the difference between good and great.
“ It takes a long time to build trust, but only a moment to destroy it,” asserts Riemenschneider.
He adds:“ Trading is built on relationships on both the buy-side and sell-side, and those relationships only work if everyone plays by the rules. If you don ' t follow the rules, you ' ll be out in no time. Even though trading is highly technology-driven, it remains a people-oriented business. The
“ Expect the unexpected anytime. Despite all technological advances, a network of trusted, reliable business partners is key – specifically when times get tough.”
TOBIAS STEIN, MD AND HEAD OF PRODUCTS AND INVESTMENT PROCESS
community is small and anyone who sacrifices integrity for short-term success may find themselves excluded very quickly.
“ As the saying goes, you always meet people twice in life.”
Delving further, the team goes on to emphasise that discipline and clarity are truly what turn longevity into consistent performance.
When it comes to the best advice from the desk, Rosenberger shares:“ Think before you act, learn quickly from mistakes, and never chase the market. There will always be another opportunity.”
This measured mindset is echoed across the desk, as Hecker adds that success begins not with action, but with restraint, asserting that the best thing to do always is“ listen first”, and think development over outcome.
“ Across different markets, order types and basket characteristics, trading success comes from prioritising processes over short-term seemingly fortunate outcomes. Although this can be challenging at times, transparent, robust and analytics-driven decision making enables you to
48 // TheTRADE // Q1 2026