1. **Contribution and Expertise**: Since you’ve developed around 80% of the system, pushing from ideation to implementation, a significant share is justified. Think of 15% to 25% as a baseline if it’s just you and a QA/QR sharing the implementation load.

2. **Experience**: While your industry experience may be limited, the impact and effectiveness of your contribution may outweigh this. Therefore, lean toward the higher side of the typical range to compensate for your heavy lifting.

3. **Current and Future Impact**: Consider both the short-term gains and long-term implications of your work. If your system has the potential to bring substantial revenue, your contribution’s value increases.

4. **Benchmarking and Industry Standards**: Engaging with peers or mentors in the industry might give a clearer picture of typical shares in similar situations. Although there isn’t a strict standard, 10-20% is often cited in forums and discussions for key contributors.

### How to Approach the Negotiation

Navigating the negotiation can be tricky. Here are some tips:

– **Clarity and Documentation**: Clearly outline what you’ve built and how each component contributes to the firm’s revenue. Have concrete examples ready.

– **Be Honest and Direct**: Articulate your expectations transparently. Sharing your honest perspective about the work you’ve done can establish trust.

– **Stay Open and Flexible**: Approach negotiation with openness to find a win-win situation. Offer ranges rather than fixed percentages initially.

### Final Thoughts

Profit sharing in high-frequency trading isn’t just about numbers. It’s about recognizing your value and ensuring your contributions are acknowledged appropriately. As you navigate this, balance assertiveness with appreciation for the opportunity.

Ultimately, your role in shaping the systems could be the cornerstone of your career, opening doors to further advancement and new ventures in the HFT world. By ensuring a fair stake now, you set a solid foundation for future success.

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