Susquehanna International Group Business Analyst Interview Questions + Guide in 2025

Susquehanna International Group (SIG) is a global quantitative trading firm renowned for its expertise in trading across a wide array of financial products and asset classes, leveraging game theory and probabilistic thinking in its operations.

As a Business Analyst at SIG, you will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between various departments including Trading, HR, Legal, Operations, and Technology. This role centers around translating business requests into practical tools, systems, and reports that directly influence business operations. You will be involved in analyzing business processes, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Key responsibilities include supporting the development and implementation of universal calculation tools across global offices, managing reconciliation initiatives, and contributing to the build-out of an internal system that normalizes counter-party data.

To excel in this role, it is crucial to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with proficiency in relational databases (e.g., Oracle, MySQL), and object-oriented programming languages such as Python and VBA. A keen interest in the financial markets, along with excellent communication skills, is essential for interacting with stakeholders at all levels of the organization. Additionally, a detail-oriented mindset and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment are important traits for success at SIG.

This guide is designed to help you prepare for your interview by providing insights into the skills and experiences that SIG values in a Business Analyst, as well as the types of questions you may encounter. By understanding these elements, you can position yourself as a strong candidate who aligns well with the firm's objectives and culture.

The interview process for a Business Analyst role at Susquehanna International Group is structured and thorough, designed to assess both technical and interpersonal skills. Candidates can expect a multi-step process that includes various types of interviews and assessments.

1. Initial Phone Screen

The process typically begins with a phone screening conducted by a recruiter. This initial conversation lasts about 30 to 60 minutes and focuses on your background, experience, and motivation for applying to Susquehanna. Expect questions about your previous roles, technical skills, and how you align with the company’s culture and values.

2. Online Assessment

Following the phone screen, candidates are usually required to complete an online assessment, often hosted on platforms like CodeSignal or HackerRank. This assessment typically includes coding challenges that test your problem-solving abilities and understanding of data structures and algorithms. The questions can range from easy to medium difficulty, and candidates are advised to practice common coding problems to prepare effectively.

3. Technical Interview

If you perform well on the online assessment, the next step is a technical interview, which may be conducted over the phone or via video call. This interview usually lasts about an hour and focuses on your technical knowledge, including programming languages (such as Python or VBA), database concepts, and system design. Interviewers may ask you to solve problems in real-time, discuss your approach to coding challenges, and evaluate your understanding of software development life cycles (SDLC).

4. Onsite Interview

Candidates who successfully navigate the technical interview are often invited for an onsite interview, which can last several hours and may consist of multiple rounds. During this phase, you will engage in hands-on coding exercises, system design discussions, and behavioral interviews. Expect to collaborate with interviewers on practical scenarios, such as designing tools or systems that meet business needs. This stage is crucial for assessing your ability to work in a team and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

5. Final Interview and Team Matching

The final step in the interview process may involve a team matching round, where you meet with potential team members and managers. This round focuses on cultural fit and your ability to collaborate within the team. You may be asked about your past experiences, how you handle challenges, and your approach to problem-solving in a business context.

As you prepare for your interview, be ready to discuss your technical skills, past projects, and how you can contribute to Susquehanna's operations.

Next, let’s delve into the specific interview questions that candidates have encountered during the process.

Here are some tips to help you excel in your interview.

Understand the Role and Company Culture

Before your interview, take the time to deeply understand the role of a Business Analyst at Susquehanna International Group. Familiarize yourself with how this position acts as a bridge between various departments, including Trading, HR, Legal, and Technology. This understanding will allow you to tailor your responses to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the company's needs. Additionally, Susquehanna values creativity and problem-solving, so be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to process improvements and automation.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Expect to face technical assessments that may include coding challenges and problem-solving questions. Many candidates have reported that the coding tests often feature medium to hard LeetCode-style questions, so practice these types of problems extensively. Focus on data structures, algorithms, and SQL queries, as these are commonly evaluated. Additionally, be ready to discuss your thought process and the reasoning behind your solutions, as communication skills are crucial in this role.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Business Analyst, strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you identified inefficiencies or areas for improvement in business processes. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to structure your responses, ensuring you clearly articulate the impact of your contributions.

Emphasize Communication and Collaboration

Given the collaborative nature of the role, highlight your ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Prepare to discuss instances where you successfully translated complex technical concepts into understandable terms for business teams. This will demonstrate your capability to act as a liaison between different departments, a key aspect of the Business Analyst role at Susquehanna.

Be Ready for Behavioral Questions

Expect behavioral interview questions that assess your fit within the company culture. Susquehanna values self-starters who are quick learners and resourceful problem solvers. Prepare to discuss your motivations for wanting to work at Susquehanna, your interest in the financial markets, and how you handle challenges in a fast-paced environment. Authenticity and enthusiasm for the role will resonate well with interviewers.

Follow Up and Stay Engaged

After your interview, consider sending a follow-up email to express your gratitude for the opportunity and reiterate your interest in the position. This not only shows professionalism but also keeps you on the interviewers' radar. If you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe, don’t hesitate to reach out for feedback, as this demonstrates your proactive nature.

By preparing thoroughly and aligning your experiences with the expectations of the role, you can position yourself as a strong candidate for the Business Analyst position at Susquehanna International Group. Good luck!

In this section, we’ll review the various interview questions that might be asked during a Business Analyst interview at Susquehanna International Group (SIG). The interview process will likely assess your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of business operations, particularly in the context of trading and finance. Be prepared to demonstrate your analytical skills, knowledge of databases, and ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical teams.

Technical Skills

1. Can you explain the difference between a relational database and a non-relational database?

Understanding database types is crucial for a Business Analyst role, especially when working with data normalization and reporting.

How to Answer

Discuss the fundamental differences, such as structure, scalability, and use cases for each type of database.

Example

“A relational database organizes data into tables with predefined relationships, making it ideal for structured data and complex queries. In contrast, a non-relational database, like a document store, is more flexible and can handle unstructured data, which is useful for applications requiring rapid scaling and varied data types.”

2. Describe a time when you had to analyze a complex dataset. What tools did you use?

This question assesses your analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis tools.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, mentioning the dataset, the tools you used (like SQL, Excel, or Python), and the outcome of your analysis.

Example

“I worked on a project analyzing trading data to identify patterns in market behavior. I used SQL to extract data from our relational database and then employed Python for data visualization, which helped the team make informed trading decisions based on the trends I uncovered.”

3. How do you ensure data integrity when working with multiple data sources?

Data integrity is critical in trading operations, and this question evaluates your approach to maintaining accuracy.

How to Answer

Discuss methods you use to validate data, such as reconciliation processes or automated checks.

Example

“I implement reconciliation tools that compare data from different sources to identify discrepancies. Additionally, I establish validation rules during data entry and regularly audit the data to ensure its accuracy and consistency.”

4. What is your experience with SQL? Can you write a query to retrieve specific data?

SQL proficiency is essential for a Business Analyst role, especially in a data-driven environment.

How to Answer

Briefly describe your experience with SQL and provide a simple query example relevant to the role.

Example

“I have extensive experience with SQL, including writing complex queries for data extraction. For instance, to retrieve all trades executed in the last month, I would write: SELECT * FROM trades WHERE trade_date >= DATEADD(month, -1, GETDATE());”

5. Explain the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and its importance.

Understanding SDLC is important for collaborating with development teams.

How to Answer

Outline the phases of SDLC and explain how it helps in project management and delivery.

Example

“The SDLC consists of phases like planning, analysis, design, implementation, testing, and maintenance. It’s crucial because it provides a structured approach to software development, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet user requirements.”

Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

1. Describe a situation where you identified a process improvement. What was the impact?

This question evaluates your ability to analyze and improve business processes.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, detailing the problem, your analysis, the solution you proposed, and the results.

Example

“I noticed that our trade reconciliation process was taking too long due to manual data entry. I proposed automating the data import using a script, which reduced the reconciliation time by 50% and minimized errors, allowing the team to focus on more strategic tasks.”

2. How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

This question assesses your time management and prioritization skills.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including any frameworks or tools you use.

Example

“I prioritize tasks based on their urgency and impact on business objectives. I use a project management tool to track deadlines and progress, and I regularly communicate with stakeholders to ensure alignment on priorities.”

3. Can you give an example of how you handled a conflict between technical and non-technical teams?

This question evaluates your communication and conflict resolution skills.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, focusing on how you facilitated communication and reached a resolution.

Example

“In a previous project, the development team wanted to implement a feature that the operations team felt was unnecessary. I organized a meeting where both teams could express their concerns and needs. By facilitating a discussion, we found a compromise that satisfied both parties and improved the overall project outcome.”

4. What methods do you use to gather requirements from stakeholders?

This question assesses your ability to elicit and document requirements effectively.

How to Answer

Discuss various techniques you use, such as interviews, surveys, or workshops.

Example

“I use a combination of interviews and workshops to gather requirements. I find that workshops encourage collaboration and help stakeholders articulate their needs more clearly, while one-on-one interviews allow for deeper insights into specific concerns.”

5. How do you handle changes in project scope?

This question evaluates your adaptability and project management skills.

How to Answer

Explain your approach to managing scope changes, including communication and documentation.

Example

“When faced with a scope change, I first assess the impact on the project timeline and resources. I then communicate the change to all stakeholders and document the new requirements to ensure everyone is aligned before proceeding.”

Communication Skills

1. How do you explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders?

This question assesses your ability to communicate effectively across different audiences.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to simplifying complex concepts and ensuring understanding.

Example

“I focus on using analogies and visual aids to explain technical concepts. For instance, when discussing database normalization, I might compare it to organizing files in a filing cabinet, which helps non-technical stakeholders grasp the importance of data organization.”

2. Can you describe a time when you had to present findings to senior management?

This question evaluates your presentation skills and ability to influence decision-making.

How to Answer

Share a specific example, detailing your preparation, presentation style, and the outcome.

Example

“I presented a data analysis report to senior management regarding trading performance. I prepared a clear and concise presentation, highlighting key insights and actionable recommendations. The management team appreciated the clarity of my findings, which led to the implementation of new trading strategies.”

3. How do you ensure effective communication within a project team?

This question assesses your strategies for maintaining clear communication.

How to Answer

Discuss your methods for fostering communication, such as regular meetings or updates.

Example

“I schedule regular check-ins and use project management tools to keep everyone informed about progress and changes. I also encourage open communication, where team members feel comfortable sharing updates or raising concerns.”

4. Describe a time when you had to persuade a team to adopt a new process or tool.

This question evaluates your influence and negotiation skills.

How to Answer

Provide a specific example, focusing on your approach to persuasion and the outcome.

Example

“I introduced a new project management tool to my team that I believed would enhance our efficiency. I organized a demo to showcase its features and benefits, addressing any concerns. After seeing its potential, the team adopted the tool, which improved our project tracking and collaboration.”

5. How do you handle feedback from stakeholders?

This question assesses your receptiveness to feedback and ability to implement changes.

How to Answer

Discuss your approach to receiving and acting on feedback.

Example

“I view feedback as an opportunity for growth. I actively listen to stakeholders’ concerns and ask clarifying questions to understand their perspectives. I then assess how I can incorporate their feedback into my work to improve outcomes.”