Patrick Chi: A Rising Star in the World of Global Trading
In the highly competitive world of international finance, few names stand out for their early achievements and consistent professional growth. Patrick Chi is one such figure. With a strong academic foundation in applied mathematics and years of experience in leading trading firms, he has built a career that reflects both intellectual rigour and practical expertise. Today, he is a Trader at Citadel Securities in New York, one of the most influential and respected firms in the global financial markets. His journey is marked by prestigious awards, diverse experiences across several organisations, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Academic Foundation
Columbia University – Applied Mathematics
Education has always been central to Patrick Chi’s success. After completing high school at Niskayuna High School with high honours, he went on to study Applied Mathematics at Columbia University in the City of New York. During his undergraduate years (2016–2020), he developed analytical skills that would later serve as the backbone of his career in trading. Applied mathematics provided him with the ability to model complex systems, interpret large datasets, and develop quantitative strategies essential in modern financial markets.
Achievements at School and University
Even before entering university, Patrick Chi had already distinguished himself as a brilliant student. He was a C. Prescott Davis Scholar, an honour awarded at Columbia University. His high school years also included recognition as the Niskayuna High School Principals’ Legacy Award recipient, demonstrating leadership, academic excellence, and service to his community.
Perhaps most notably, in 2016, he was named a Semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search (Intel STS) for his research paper titled “Using Power Dissipation as a Novel Approach for Ranking and Categorising Tropical Cyclones.” This achievement reflected not only his ability to engage in scientific research but also his capacity to apply analytical thinking to real-world problems—skills that seamlessly transitioned into his trading career.
Additionally, he became a five-time American Invitational Mathematics Examination qualifier, further highlighting his strength in problem-solving and mathematical reasoning.
Professional Journey
Early Research Roles
Patrick Chi began building his professional experience during his time at Columbia University. In 2016, he worked as a Research Intern at Reach Advisors, where he gathered and analysed large-scale datasets to identify growth and limiting factors of metropolitan areas. This early exposure to data-driven decision-making provided him with a strong base for his later roles in finance.
In 2017, he furthered his analytical training through a Research Internship at Columbia University, focusing on weather data. He developed Python scripts to analyse Sub-seasonal to Seasonal (S2S) weather forecasts, comparing European and North American models to evaluate severe weather predictions. Such experience in handling complex datasets proved invaluable in his transition to trading, where predictive models and quantitative analyses are fundamental.
Teaching and Mentorship
Alongside research, Patrick Chi also served as a Grader and Teaching Assistant at Art of Problem Solving between 2017 and 2018. Here, he taught and supported students from middle and high school in mathematics courses ranging from Pre-Algebra to Calculus. His responsibilities included grading homework, providing detailed feedback, and encouraging students to approach mathematics with creativity and precision. This role not only reinforced his mathematical foundations but also reflected his ability to mentor and communicate complex ideas effectively.
Transition to Trading
Blackmar Capital LLC
Patrick Chi’s first formal experience in trading came at Blackmar Capital LLC, where he worked as a Quantitative Trader from June 2017 to May 2018. His role involved using algorithmic market-making strategies to trade digital assets across global exchanges. He assisted in expanding trading operations into new markets and developing more efficient code. This was a pivotal period in his career, giving him direct exposure to financial markets and sharpening his coding and algorithmic skills.
Optiver
In 2018, he secured a prestigious summer internship at Optiver, a global proprietary trading firm headquartered in Chicago. Here, he undertook a rigorous course in options theory and engaged in real-time simulation trading. Additionally, he analysed large datasets to develop strategies for pricing volatility and automating index options trading. This experience broadened his expertise in derivatives and quantitative research.
Susquehanna International Group (SIG)
The following summer, in 2019, Patrick Chi interned with Susquehanna International Group (SIG), another top-tier proprietary trading firm. This role added to his already diverse set of trading experiences and allowed him to explore more advanced strategies in options trading, data analysis, and financial modelling.
Career at Citadel Securities
Trader – Citadel Securities
In August 2020, Patrick Chi began his full-time role as a Trader at Citadel Securities, based in New York City. Over the past five years, he has accumulated substantial experience in American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) and International Equities. ADRs, which allow U.S. investors to invest in foreign companies through American exchanges, require deep knowledge of global markets and an understanding of cross-border financial dynamics. Patrick’s expertise in this area highlights his ability to navigate the complexities of international finance.
Citadel Securities, recognised as one of the most prominent market makers worldwide, provides a highly competitive and intellectually demanding environment. Patrick’s success within this firm speaks to his exceptional analytical skills, adaptability, and commitment to precision in trading.
Skills and Expertise
Quantitative Analysis
Patrick Chi’s educational background in applied mathematics has allowed him to excel in quantitative analysis. Whether it is modelling financial data, assessing risk, or developing trading strategies, his ability to apply mathematics to real-world trading situations sets him apart from many peers.
Algorithmic Trading
His early career at Blackmar Capital and internships at Optiver and SIG gave him direct experience with algorithmic trading systems. Patrick Chi is skilled at designing, testing, and implementing algorithms that allow traders to react to market movements faster and more efficiently than manual strategies.
International Markets
With years of experience trading ADRs and international equities, Patrick has developed a global perspective on finance. His role requires an understanding of both U.S. and foreign markets, regulatory structures, and cross-border financial flows.
Recognition and Honours
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C. Prescott Davis Scholar (Columbia University)
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Niskayuna High School Principals’ Legacy Award
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Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist (2016)
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Five-time AIME Qualifier
These honours underscore his academic and professional excellence, highlighting his consistent dedication to mathematics, research, and analytical thinking.
Patrick Chi’s Professional Philosophy
Patrick’s journey reflects more than just a career path—it illustrates a professional philosophy based on intellectual curiosity, discipline, and resilience. From studying tropical cyclones as a high school student to trading ADRs in one of the world’s most prestigious financial institutions, he has demonstrated the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.
He represents a new generation of traders who combine technical knowledge, coding skills, and a deep understanding of mathematics with the ability to navigate fast-moving global markets.
Conclusion
Patrick Chi is an accomplished professional whose career trajectory exemplifies the modern trader’s evolution. From research and teaching to internships at leading trading firms and now a prominent role at Citadel Securities, his story is one of dedication, achievement, and excellence. With a background in applied mathematics, a portfolio of prestigious honours, and a wealth of diverse trading experiences, he is well-positioned to continue excelling in the global financial sector.
His journey serves as inspiration for young professionals aspiring to enter the world of trading and finance, showing that with the right mix of education, analytical skills, and practical experience, success in this demanding industry is well within reach.
