From Traderpedia

Definition: A Quantative Analyst is a trading superbrain, a professional who works in the financial markets developing mathematical or statistical models to assist the activities of traders and risk managers within banks and other large corporate institutes.

Throughout the industry, such professionals are known as Quants. A Quant is generally required to have several double first masters degree's in such subjects as higher maths, computational finance and a computer programming language such as C++.

Quants are generally paid obscene amounts of money, typically in the high six or even seven figure bracket - as can be attested to by any casual search of efinancial careers or cityjobs. Considered to be one of the top jobs in the city.

Not to be confused with a Quantative Trader, a pure Quant is not a trader and doesnt actively participate in trading.