AkunaCapital Software Engineer interview questions & guide 2026

The following questions are representative of the patterns you will encounter during your assessment. While specific problems rotate, the focus remains on your ability to translate real-world trading constraints into efficient algorithmic solutions.

Algorithmic Problem Solving and Data Structures

These questions test your ability to handle data efficiently and implement logic that adheres to strict constraints.

• Minimum swaps required to sort an array.
• Remove duplicates from a list while maintaining order.

Preparation at AkunaCapital requires a shift from generic coding practice to performance-oriented engineering. You should prioritize deep mastery of your primary language—usually C++—and a solid grasp of how your code interacts with the underlying hardware and data structures.

Technical Competency – You must demonstrate proficiency in C++ and fundamental data structures. Interviewers look for your ability to write clean, maintainable, and bug-free code under time pressure, with a specific focus on memory management and efficiency.

Problem-Solving Agility – You will often encounter problems with specific constraints (e.g., tick sizes, memory limits, or order dependency). The ability to quickly parse these requirements and map them to the correct algorithmic approach is essential.

System Design Thinking – You should be able to design modular systems that handle state changes (like order matching) consistently. Focus on how you structure your classes and how you minimize overhead in high-frequency scenarios.

The interview process at AkunaCapital is designed to evaluate both your raw technical capability and your ability to thrive in a high-stakes, analytical environment. You will typically begin with one or more online assessments that serve as a technical filter, focusing on coding proficiency and algorithmic logic. If you progress, you will move into technical rounds that involve live coding, architectural design, and occasionally, behavioral discussions regarding your motivations and approach to teamwork.

The process is rigorous and emphasizes precision. You should expect a pace that tests your ability to handle multiple tasks or complex constraints within a limited timeframe.

The timeline above represents a typical progression from online screening to final technical evaluation. Use this to pace your preparation, ensuring you have enough time to review core computer science fundamentals before your scheduled rounds.

C++ Proficiency and Memory Management

Because performance is paramount, you must demonstrate a mastery of C++ beyond basic syntax.

Be ready to go over:

• Smart pointers and manual memory management.
• Object pooling and memory allocation strategies.
• Handling of standard library containers versus custom implementations.

Example scenarios:

• Debugging a memory leak in a provided class structure.
• Explaining how to minimize heap allocations in a high-frequency trading loop.

Algorithmic Optimization

You will be evaluated on your ability to identify the most efficient approach to a data problem.

Be ready to go over:

• Time and space complexity (Big O notation) for all proposed solutions.
• Sliding window and dynamic programming techniques.
• Sorting algorithms and their practical applications in order matching.

Example scenarios:

• Solving the "minimum swaps to sort" problem with optimal complexity.
• Handling data stream updates (min/max/median) in real-time.

As a Software Engineer, your day-to-day work centers on building the infrastructure that allows AkunaCapital to trade effectively. You will spend significant time writing low-latency C++ code, optimizing performance-critical paths, and ensuring the reliability of our trading systems.

You will collaborate closely with other developers and quantitative researchers to implement new features or improve existing algorithms. This involves not only writing the code but also rigorously testing it against market scenarios, debugging complex system behaviors, and ensuring that your solutions integrate seamlessly with existing exchange connectivity layers.

A strong candidate for this role possesses a blend of high-level architectural thinking and low-level implementation skills.

• Must-have skills: Advanced proficiency in C++, strong understanding of data structures and algorithms, and experience with multi-threaded or low-latency system design.
• Nice-to-have skills: Familiarity with financial market structures (order books, BBO, exchange connectivity), experience with Python for scripting or data analysis, and a background in distributed systems.
• Soft skills: You must be able to communicate complex technical ideas clearly, handle feedback constructively, and remain calm when working on high-pressure production issues.

Q: How difficult are the coding assessments? A: The assessments are generally of medium difficulty, comparable to common competitive programming platforms. The challenge lies in the strict constraints and the time pressure rather than the complexity of the algorithms themselves.

Q: What is the best way to prepare for the C++ rounds? A: Focus on writing clean, idiomatic C++. Review the standard library, understand how different containers impact performance, and practice debugging existing codebases rather than just writing from scratch.

Q: How long does the entire process take? A: The process can move relatively quickly, but it often spans several weeks depending on the number of rounds and scheduling. Expect a week or two between major stages.

• Prioritize correctness: In trading systems, a small bug can have significant consequences. Always verify your edge cases before finalizing your code.
• Understand the constraints: If a problem mentions "tick size" or "offset," ensure your logic explicitly handles these constraints. Do not ignore them in favor of a "general" solution.
• Communicate your process: During technical interviews, talk through your thought process. If you are stuck, asking clarifying questions about the constraints is often seen as a strength.

The Software Engineer position at AkunaCapital is a high-impact role that demands technical rigor, performance-minded coding, and a methodical approach to problem-solving. By focusing on C++ mastery, algorithmic efficiency, and the ability to work within strict system constraints, you will be well-positioned for success.

Use your preparation time to practice not just the "how" of coding, but the "why"—understanding the trade-offs in your design choices is what separates strong candidates. We encourage you to review your fundamentals and approach the assessment with confidence. You have the potential to contribute to the sophisticated infrastructure that defines AkunaCapital’s place in the market.