Quants: The Rocket Scientists of Wall Street

As financial securities become increasingly complex, demand has grown steadily for people who not only understand the complex mathematical models that price these securities, but who are able to enhance them to generate profits and reduce risk. These individuals are known as quantitative analysts, or simply "quants." Due to the challenging nature of the work – a blend of mathematics, finance and computer skills – quants are in great demand and able to command very high salaries. In this article we'll learn what they do, where they work, how much they earn, what knowledge is required and whether this may be the career for you. Quantitative analysts design and implement complex models that allow financial firms to price and trade securities.