LRN Enters Year Four with a Growing Global Footprint

From day one, the goal has been clear: give new graduates a meaningful understanding of how our mid/back-office ecosystem works and the opportunity to contribute to it. As LRN Program Manager Desiree, who has helped guide the program since its inception, puts it: “LRN was built to give graduates a true behind-the-scenes perspective of how these teams operate as part of a holistic foundation to support their development as future leaders. We want them to not only see how our teams work together to support our trading business, but also empower them to deliver value and build meaningful cross-functional relationships.”

A Program Designed with Intention

The structure of LRN gives participants exposure to a wide range of teams that keep our global trading business running. Available rotations vary by program year depending on business needs, but have included:

• Treasury/Cash

• Finance

• Global Trading Operations (GTO); Energy, Crypto, Clearing & Settlements, Business Analytics, Middle Office

• Product Control

• Credit Risk

• Market Risk

• Business Management

Each rotation includes hands-on work, cross-functional collaboration, and meaningful ownership. “Our LRNers aren’t sitting on the sidelines,” Desiree shares. “They’re embedded into teams, taking on projects that matter, and gaining the technical and operational knowledge that lets them contribute from day one.”

The yearlong program begins with upfront training on market fundamentals and various onboarding activities before LRNers move into their rotations. Upon successful completion of the program, participants transition into a full-time role in the middle/back office that balances their strengths and interests with DRW’s business needs.

Though the rotations are the core focus, LRNer success is supported by a number of supporting pillars. Participants build a strong peer network across cohort members and LRN alumni, are paired with mentors and buddies, take part in ongoing development and attend events designed to foster both growth and belonging.

Just as importantly, the program seeks ways to extend impact beyond the firm where possible. Through our partnership with The Greenwood Project, LRN offers access for talented students who may not have traditionally been exposed to careers in our industry. LRN also partners closely with DRW's Community Investment team, engaging in initiatives that allow LRNers to give back to the communities in which we live and work.

A Growing Footprint — Expansion to London & Houston

For the first time, LRN Cohort 4 (2026–27) will be a split cohort across our Chicago and Houston offices. Not only does this model support evolving business needs but also gives cohort participants access to a wider network and exposure to more parts of the mid/back office. It’s a meaningful milestone and a natural next step as the firm continues to grow.

We’re also expanding LRN to London, beginning with LRN Internships that commence Summer 2026. Bringing the program to another region gives participants—and our support teams—access to broader perspectives and new learning opportunities.

“The expansion to London is really inspiring,” Desiree says. “This launch enables us to replicate the model’s ability to build cross-functional talent in other regions and create a stronger link between LRN and DRW's global footprint.”

Our Future Leaders

While participants come from a variety of backgrounds, the qualities that set them up for success are shared: they’re adaptable and collaborative, they’re hungry but humble, they have a drive to think critically and solve problems, they’re curious and committed to continuous learning.

“There isn’t one perfect profile, and I am incredibly proud of the diversity and culture of inclusion we cultivate within LRN.” Desiree emphasizes. “We’re looking for team players who are eager to add value, who have a passion for process improvement and personal accountability, who want to understand how the pieces of our business fit together and who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves.”

Looking Ahead

As LRN enters its fourth year, the core mission remains unchanged—but the vision continues to grow. More teams, more global reach, more focus on technical aptitude, and more opportunities for early-career talent to make an impact.

Desiree summarizes it best: “Every year we raise the bar. Our LRNers bring so much energy and potential to DRW, and it’s rewarding to see them grow personally and professionally. I am so proud of the value our past cohorts have delivered and can’t wait to see what our future cohorts achieve.”

Learn more about the program from our LRNers & LRN Alumni: https://youtu.be/P5nx5bEDJzY