Chapter 42

“So you think you can set the company on the right path…And DMA? You do realize what DMA is, right?” Shin Semi’s eyes widened at Woosung’s request.

DMA (Direct Market Access).

When an average user connected to HTS to purchase or to sell stocks, the transaction had to go through the financial company’s main system. The company would then request confirmation from Koscom, which was a Korean financial IT company launched by the Ministry of Finance.

This meant a transaction had to go through both the financial company and Koscom. However, if an individual could connect to Koscom directly, or decrease the processing time at the financial company, the trader could buy and sell stocks faster.

It was a difference of 0.001 second, but it could make all the difference in the stock market.

‘In 2011, some financial companies sold their assigned DMA to individual traders. There was a lawsuit, but they were found to be not guilty.’

In other countries, paying for an individual DMA was common but not in Korea. In the world of stock trading, time was money.

“Yes. If you give me one of Nuri Finances’ DMA, I will tell you what you wanted to know at the seminar.” Shin Semi glanced at Na Jaeman. Woosung then broke the brief silence by continuing his own proposal. “Of course, if necessary, I will pay a user fee.”

In Korea, DMA was not something an individual could purchase, but it was not illegal to own a DMA. After a few seconds of thinking, Na Jaeman nodded. Shin Semi finally answered.

“Alright. Let’s get the contract ready.”

They called the legal team to process the said contract as soon as possible. It was an easy one to write. After approving it, Woosung told Shin Semi.

“You should read the report by Kim Mansu from Finance Research Lab on subprime mortgage. It was released in March of 2007.”

Shin Semi glanced at Na Jaeman, who immediately started to make a call.

“Then I will get going.”

“That’s it?”

“I already gave you two hints. I majored in computer science. You weren’t expecting me to give you an outright answer, did you?”

Shin Semi gritted her teeth again but suddenly murmured. “Subprime mortgage crisis… and risk management.”

Financial crisis.

It was coming, but Woosung couldn’t say the word.

“I have analyzed the data and it’s clear that MBS is downgrading. Based on the current trend, CDO will downgrade as well. This is all I can tell you.”

MBS (Mortgage-Backed Securities).

CDO (Collateralized Debt Obligation).

They were two of the main causes of the financial crisis. Shin Semi listened carefully, but Woosung already felt like he did his part.

“I would like to receive the DMA via Kwak Jungwook.”

Woosung walked out.

‘She just wanted to test me. I doubt she’ll take my advice.’

He was a computer science major. It was likely she would listen to the words of in-house financial advisors rather than to him. It was common sense.

It didn’t matter. Woosung felt ecstatic about his DMA.

‘I can now use the DMA and algorithmic trading system during the financial crisis!’

After Woosung left the room, the secretary hurried to hand in the report.

“This is the report by Kim Mansu.”

Shin Semi started to read through the report, giving every word a careful consideration. Na Jaeman remained silent as he watched her. She then thought slowly.

‘I already know what happened. There is nothing new here.’

She already knew well about the subprime mortgage crisis. She couldn’t find any new information on the report.

‘Is he thinking about daytime trading by himself using the DMA? There is something about him…It’s clear that he knows more than he’s saying.’

“Ma’am, that report was already examined by us last year. Did you find anything new?” Na Jaeman asked as soon as she put down the report.

She shook her head. Na Jaeman asked again with caution.

“It sounded like he was giving us some kind of a warning…”

“I don’t want to be rude, but he completed a computer science program from a small university called Songwon. The best he could be is a good programmer. I can’t trust anything he claims about the financial world.”

Shin Semi had already decided. Na Jaeman wanted to disagree, but it was not his place.

‘When someone becomes an expert in one field, he becomes knowledgeable in other fields as well.’

However, he didn’t say it out loud. Shin Semi murmured quietly.

“I will let the finance research lab know of what he said anyway. Now, I need you to find a way to scout him.”

“Of course.”

“Sooner the better.”

“Ok.”

Na Jaeman sighed. Based on what he heard today, it didn’t sound like Woosung was not interested in whatever job offer they give.

When he returned to his office, Kwak Jungwook was waiting. He asked Woosung to speak with him for a few minutes. Woosung had to finish his work on development process improvement project. He had so much work left to do, but Kwak Jungwook insisted on talking to him in private. He took Woosung outside.

“I will be direct.” Woosung sat down as he listened to the man with his arms crossed. “I would like to offer you a job.”

Woosung didn’t want to be rude. As he tried to think of a nice way to say no, Kwak Jungwook followed his statement up with more offers.

“We will hire you as a manager at Nuri Finances. If there is anything you want, tell me.”

Woosung continued to be quiet. When Kwak Jungwook realized Woosung wasn’t interested, he moaned.

“If you don’t accept this offer, I’m going to be in trouble. As a manager, your salary will be 60,000 dollars a year. It’s a good position.”

A yearly salary of 60,000 dollars.

It was over three times his current salary as a new employee at Daesan System. In his previous life, it would have been a chance of a lifetime, but Woosung was different now.

“I appreciate all you’ve done for me.”

Kwak Jungwook knew what Woosung was going to say next. “Stop! Stop! I don’t want to hear it.”

“But I don’t want to work for someone anymore.”

“…that’s it?” Kwak Jungwook already knew how Woosung felt.

“I meant it when I said I appreciate you.”

“…would you reconsider?”

“Haha, sorry but its a no. If it would please you I will make sure my last project is a success.”

Woosung was firm and Kwak Jungwook couldn’t say another word. They drank their coffee and returned to the office.

Another person was waiting for Woosung.

Daesan System’s CEO Son Daesan.

As soon as he saw Woosung, he ran up to him and shook his hand.

“Wow, our company’s treasure, Woosung!” Woosung hadn’t seen him since the job interview. “I’ve been waiting for you for a long time. Haha, if you don’t have any plans, let’s go for a chat after work. There is a lot I want to say to you.”

Woosung glanced at Yoon Gihwan who shook his head firmly. Woosung realized what Son Daesan wanted and replied firmly.

“I’m not changing my mind on resigning.”

“You shouldn’t be so rash about such an important decision. Think carefully. You haven’t even worked here for a year. It would look bad on your resume. Do you know how hard it is to find a job nowadays?”

Son Daesan tried to convince him but Woosung wasn’t listening. He just refused a much better job offer from Nuri Finances. It didn’t make sense to stay at Daesan.

“I don’t plan on getting another job.”

Son Daesan continued to hold Woosung’s hand and whispered.

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“Then I will promote you. General manager. There is no way you can refuse such an offer.”

Woosung found Son Daesan amusing. Did he even know how much Woosung had accomplished so far? Because if he truly understood, then Son Daesan’s offer would’ve been different.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not interested.” Woosung continued to refuse. Son Daesan frowned and let Woosung’s hands go.

“…you fixed a few problems and you think you’re so great? Do you really think you’ll be able to get a better offer than this?”

Son Daesan was an idiot.