Shanghai sub-market · Rank #17 of 17 for this discipline

Machine-learning alpha in Shanghai

What is the machine-learning alpha market like in Shanghai?

Shanghai is a secondary centre for machine-learning alpha, with demand concentrated in a smaller set of desks. Machine-learning driven strategies use modern statistical learning and alternative data to find non-linear structure in markets. It is the fastest-growing research discipline and competes directly with AI labs for talent. Typical holding horizon is intraday to weeks, hiring concentrates on quant researcher, quant developer, and 2 of the firms we track run a Shanghai desk. Pay sits at roughly 55% of the New York benchmark for the equivalent role and seniority, quoted in CNY.

Machine-learning alpha compensation in Shanghai

Modelled total compensation for the roles this discipline hires, across every seniority we model, in CNY.

Machine-learning alpha compensation by role in Shanghai
RoleRangeReference estimate
Quant Researcher¥898k – ¥9.8m¥1.9m
Quant Developer¥703k – ¥4.7m¥1.3m

Where machine-learning alpha ranks by market

  1. 1New YorkCore centre · pay index 100
  2. 2LondonCore centre · pay index 86
  3. 3San FranciscoCore centre · pay index 95
  4. 4ChicagoSecondary · pay index 97
  5. 5SingaporeSecondary · pay index 82
  6. 6Hong KongSecondary · pay index 85

Methodology

Figures are expressed as annual total compensation (base salary plus expected performance bonus) in the reference market's local currency, converted from a US dollar base. They describe typical market ranges rather than any individual offer, and exclude sign-on payments, deferred equity and carried interest. Portfolio-manager figures reflect formulaic profit-share arrangements and are therefore far more dispersed than any other role.

KnowQuantIndex 2026.1 · Updated September 2026

Modelled bands describe the market, not an individual offer. Where an employer states pay, the stated figure is used and labelled as such.

Shanghai · Machine-learning alpha · KnowQuant 2026.1