Trade With Edge w/ Mike Bellafiore

Episode 34 of the Desire To Trade Podcast features Mike Bellafiore, the co-founder of SMB Capital, a well-known proprietary trading firm based in New York, USA. Mike is also the author of One Good Trade: Inside the Highly Competitive World of Proprietary Trading and The PlayBook: An Inside Look at How to Think Like a Professional Trader.

SMB Capital’s trader-training program was highlighted in the TV documentary Wall Street Warriors. His firm has appeared regularly on CNBC’s Fast Money, CNNMoney, Bloomberg, and Fox Business.

I first heard of Mike Bellafiore and SMB Capital through Mike's first book called One Good Trade. It describes how things are done in a proprietary trading firm and provides real stories of traders who had or hadn't what it took to thrive in this world of trading. I highly recommend the book!

Mike has a lot of experience working with traders and came to understand what made them successful. He also knows what the learning process looks like for a trader. During this interview, we discussed the traits traders must develop in order to succeed.

At one point, I asked Mike what advice he had for struggling traders. He pointed out something very insightful. In his opinion, traders can't start and be successful right away. Struggling is simply part of the progress.

There is a process traders must follow if they want to see results. It takes time but Mike Bellafiore, without any doubts, know what it's like.

What’s covered in the podcast?

• How Mike Bellafiore started to trade
• How the learning phase is broken down
• A great piece of advice for struggling traders
• The culture at SMB Capital
• Andrew's #1 lesson for any trader
• What keeps Mike motivated each day
• And so much more...