A Q&A with Graduate Charlie Warburton: Shaping a career at the heart of global energy markets

Charlie Warburton is a structurer in Macquarie’s Commodities and Global Markets team, working at the heart of fast‑moving energy markets. Partnering closely with traders and sales teams, he helps price complex products, improve how the desk operates, and supports new ideas coming to market. Charlie shares what drew him to Macquarie and a career in finance.

What inspired you to pursue a career in finance?

Looking back, it wasn’t a single moment. It was something that built gradually as I followed what genuinely interested me.

I grew up in a household where the news was always on, so from a young age I was exposed to what was happening in the world, and I think I absorbed a lot of it, often without realising it.

At school, that curiosity grew through societies and clubs like the Politics Society and Model United Nations. Over time, my interest grew deeper and I began studying politics and economics. Once I started thinking more about my future career, I decided to focus solely on economics.

I still enjoy keeping up with current affairs, which carry directly into finance. Markets are constantly moving based on new information, and that constant change is really engaging.

A key turning point for me was completing a placement year on a trading floor before I joined Macquarie. Spending that much time in a markets environment really cemented that this was the kind of work I wanted to do. I worked a lot on commodities, which I found fascinating, particularly seeing how areas like energy are evolving so quickly.

I see Macquarie as a leader in commodities and energy, so it felt like a fantastic place to start my career and continue developing in markets.

What does a typical day look like for you?

The trading floor is fast‑paced and focused. The market and world events are so tightly aligned, meaning each day brings something new. People make decisions in seconds based on updated information throughout the day.

As a structurer on the trading desk, I work with traders and salespeople to price complex products. I work alongside teams like technology, quant and risk to support the launch of new products, or improve the operational efficiency of the desk by refining processes and models.

I also learn directly from more experienced members of my team on how they see the market, and how things work in real detail.

How are you able to own the detail and delivery of your work?

One thing that’s really stood out to me here is how much ownership you’re given. There’s a strong sense from leadership on the desk that you’re not here just to do basic tasks; they want you to learn and build confidence.

There is a strong emphasis on learning through experience. For a new topic, you’re usually given an introduction, some example scenarios to work through, and then gradually trusted to handle real work yourself.

A good example is that I now run the Profit and Loss (P&L) analysis for a new product we’ve only been trading since the start of this year. I lead weekly discussions with the head of the desk and traders to review performance, and that level of responsibility has been a great opportunity to have real ownership.

How are you encouraged to invest in yourself?

There’s a very open culture when it comes to learning and development. People are happy for you to approach them and learn more about what they do.

You’re encouraged to take the first step yourself – reaching out, organising time and coming prepared with researched questions; but given the speed of the trading floor, I was surprised at how willing people are to get you involved and share their knowledge.

You’re supported, but you’re also trusted to invest in yourself and be proactive about your development. There is a lot to learn - on the Gas and Power desk alone there is gas, electricity, carbon, and uranium - and each trader approaches their market slightly differently.

What opportunities are there for your future at Macquarie?

Energy markets, particularly electricity, are changing quickly. Traditionally, markets were characterised by predictable fossil fuel production, but the growth of renewables, particularly solar, has created more volatility in supply and intraday pricing. Market participants are increasingly looking to financial players like Macquarie for solutions in this space, and it’s something the desk is very focused on. Being at the forefront of these changes is exciting, and I’m keen to continue my involvement as those opportunities develop.

More broadly, there are often opportunities for movement between teams at Macquarie. People come from aligned roles and build experience across different areas, which makes it feel like a place where you can shape your career over time, rather than being locked into a single path.

What advice do you have for students looking to pursue a career in finance?

I’d say curiosity is one of the most important things. When you’re starting out, especially in your first few weeks, take the opportunity to ask questions.

You might come from university where you were very confident in what you knew, and suddenly you’re in a completely new environment. That can feel uncomfortable, but it’s important to embrace that and stay inquisitive.