The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Director/VP, Trading Technology (Large Tier 1 Bank/Hedge Fund)
5-10 years in this role before C-suiteSkills to master
- Managing multi-£M budgets, leading 100+ person organisations, driving strategic programmes for a specific asset class or business unit, engaging with senior business stakeholders.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully delivered a major trading platform transformation project.
- Consistently met or exceeded P&L targets for your technology domain.
- Built and retained a high-performing leadership team.
- Demonstrated strong influence with business heads and senior executives.
- 2
CTO / Head of Engineering (Mid-sized Fintech / Prop Trading Firm)
3-7 years in this role before moving to a larger firm's C-suiteSkills to master
- End-to-end ownership of technology strategy and delivery for an entire firm, managing all aspects of engineering, product, and operations, often with direct P&L responsibility.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully scaled a technology organisation through rapid growth.
- Secured significant funding rounds based on technology vision.
- Navigated complex technical and business challenges as the ultimate technical authority.
- Built a strong external reputation for technical innovation.