Quantitative trading firms are increasing investment in academic research and AI laboratories as competition for machine-learning specialists intensifies, according to Bloomberg.
Firms including Qube Research & Technologies, G-Research, CFM and Jump Trading are funding PhD programmes and university partnerships to develop advanced trading models. First-year compensation for machine-learning PhDs can reach $800,000, according to recruitment industry estimates.
Qube’s QRT Labs supports more than 70 PhD and postdoctoral researchers, while CFM has established a laboratory focused on longer-term AI research.
Meanwhile, talent is moving between finance and technology companies, including OpenAI and Anthropic, highlighting the growing importance of machine learning in systematic investing. Firms are competing not only on pay but also on computing resources, research independence and access to cutting-edge AI.