Optiver killed it in 2014

Optiver reported a record profit of € 246.9 million over 2014. This is better than the previous record from 2008 (€228 million) and once again they are the smartest kids in the room. They’ve beaten rival trading firms. Didn’t really come as a big surprise. Apart from an informed comment on this website, even traders from IMC Financial Markets realized their record year would be improved by Optiver.

Settlement corresponds with two weeks of trading

Yesterday’s settlement of $17 million with three groups of investors in the Hammergate case corresponds with two weeks of trading. We need to wait for the release of the full annual report. Yet, CEO Paul Hilgers has told the Financieele Dagblad less than 10% of the profit has been earned in the Amsterdam office. The headcount rose above the 800 people. Most of the 70 new hires employed in the USA or in Asia.

Optiver value around €3.5 bln

The graph includes rivals IMC Financial Markets, Virtu and Flow Traders. If Flow Traders will be valued at €1 billion, this would suggest the value of Optiver would be €3.5 billion. The results of Virtu have been translated to Euros with a fixed EUR/USD rate of 1.12. Not perfect, but it will give you an idea.