Yunfei Zhang (Financial Mathematics MSc, 2023) is a Quantitative Analyst at Santander UK. She works in the Treasury Risk and Analytics Department on the Non-Credit Risk Models.

What first attracted you to this course?

I think it’s the structure of the core modules. You can clearly see almost all the essential points in the Financial Mathematics world in this course. Probability Theory gives you a solid foundation; Statistical Finance includes everything for time series analysis; and Neutral Pricing is one of the most widely used approaches in the real world.

How did King’s prepare you for your career?

The Santander University Engagement Programme co‑initiated by King's and Santander UK was the starting point of my career. Thanks to this programme, I had a lovely summer at Santander and worked on an interesting project that allowed me to put what I learned in the core modules into practice. The project involved financial models, coding skills and statistical analysis, which are all taught in the master's. It was also a great opportunity to explore something new — financial instruments you’ve never heard of, coding languages you’ve never used and real‑world approaches you have limited access to at university.

Students are well engaged in the whole process. It also helps you understand what kind of people a bank is looking for, which is meaningful in today’s labour market.

Give us one highlight from your time at King’s

The programme is definitely one of them. Another highlight would be achieving over 90% in four out of six modules. Strong performance in the modules and graduating with a distinction can also help students in interviews.

What skills did you develop on the course that you still use today?

Firstly, an overall understanding of financial modelling. It’s important to have the mindset that mathematics can provide solutions to finance, especially today as more financial processes shift from qualitative to quantitative. Secondly, attention to detail — one of the first things you learn in mathematics is to validate your work. Thirdly, analytical skills and rational thinking

What advice would you give to current students?

Enjoy your master's — possibly the last long summer holiday you’ll have!

Understand the core modules, as they contain many essential points you will use in your future career if you work in finance.

Try to enrol in the Santander University Engagement Programme if you’re interested.