A trade support specialist, also known as assistant, works under the leadership of a senior trader and helps him appraise investment products. A trader & assistant also aids corporate portfolio managers and clients in identifying and monitoring securities on financial markets.

Responsibilities
A trader assistant uses math skills and complex computer algorithms to evaluate investment opportunities and provide recommendations to a firms head trader or portfolio manager. For instance, a traders assistant at the bond trading desk may advise senior traders on investment opportunities in bonds, convertible bonds or credit default swaps (CDs). A trade support specialist also may partner with a risk manager to assess market and credit risks implicit in corporate securities exchange transactions.

Education and Training
An assistant trader usually holds a four-year college degree in finance, accounting, auditing or investment analysis. However, based on position requirements, an assistant trader who works for a large financial institution or supports a busy trading desk may be required to hold an advanced degree, such as a masters or doctorate, in finance, economics, statistics or econometric.