Edgar Castel, a 2019 graduate of ESILV’s Financial Engineering program, has been recognized as one of The TRADE’s Rising Stars of Trading and Execution.
Edgar is currently an Equity Trader at Nordea Asset Management in Denmark. His career journey showcases ESILV’s role in shaping his financial markets and technology expertise.
Read Edgar’s profile at The Trade News
A Career Built on ESILV Foundations
Edgar’s professional trajectory began at ESILV, where he specialized in Financial Engineering during his fourth and fifth years of study. Reflecting on his time at the school, Edgar highlighted the program’s balance between market finance, mathematics, and technology. He emphasized how the presence of professional lecturers enriched his learning experience.
“The ESILV curriculum gave me a strong technical foundation. The courses in programming languages such as Python, R, and C++ were pivotal in preparing me for the technical demands of the trading industry,” he explained.
The school’s dedicated Bloomberg trading room also provided Edgar with hands-on exposure to tools he continues to use daily. “The Bloomberg terminals at ESILV were invaluable. They replicate the professional environment and prepare me to handle real-world challenges,” he added.
From Paris to Copenhagen: Building a Global Career
After graduating, Edgar began his career as a Middle Officer during his final-year internship at ABC Arbitrage. Desiring to work on the front office side of asset management, he transitioned into an Assistant Trader role at Candriam in Belgium. Over 18 months, he honed his skills and earned a promotion to Trader.
In November 2024, Edgar relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark, to join Nordea Asset Management. The opportunity to work as an expatriate and the country’s exceptional quality of life influenced his decision. “Denmark offers both professional growth and a high standard of living. It’s also well-connected to France, making it a convenient choice,” Edgar explained.
At Nordea, Edgar manages equity products globally, executing trades across markets in Europe, the Americas, Asia, and emerging markets. His role involves negotiating prices with brokers and banks, optimizing positions for portfolio managers, and minimizing market impact.
The ESILV Experience: More Than Academics
Edgar fondly recalls his student life at ESILV, praising the collaborative projects and multidisciplinary weeks.
“Projects like PI24 and PI25 were not only educational but also an excellent opportunity to work with peers from different specializations,” he said. These experiences prepared him to navigate diverse professional environments.
He also emphasized how ESILV’s strong focus on technology gave him a competitive edge. “The trading world is increasingly algorithm-driven. The programming skills I gained at ESILV allowed me to stand out and secure a role in a competitive field.”
Advice for Future ESILV Graduates
Edgar recommends patience and technical preparation for students aspiring to follow a similar path.
“Take your time to choose the right opportunities. Don’t rush into decisions—sometimes an extra year or a second internship can open better doors later,” he advised.
Edgar also stressed the importance of technical skills, particularly in programming, as the financial industry continues to embrace automation and algorithmic trading.
Inspiring students in Financial Engineering
Edgar Castel’s journey highlights the strength of ESILV’s multidisciplinary approach. His recognition as a rising star in the trading world reflects the value of combining technical expertise with practical experience.
As he continues to make strides in institutional trading, Edgar inspires students and graduates looking to build careers in finance and technology.
Learn more about ESILV’s Financial Engineering major