Getting to know you: Samuel Leach, founder, Samuel and Co Trading

Samuel and Co Trading is an award-winning education company based in the UK, specialising in providing comprehensive trading education and resources for aspiring traders and investors.

Founded by Samuel Leach, a renowned trader with over a decade of experience, the company has established itself as a leader in the financial education sector. Samuel and Co Trading aims to equip traders with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to succeed in the dynamic and often volatile world of financial markets.

What was the inspiration behind Samuel and Co Trading?

The inspiration behind Samuel and Co Trading stemmed from my own journey and experiences in the financial markets. When I first started trading, I quickly realised that there was a significant gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Many aspiring traders struggle with understanding the complexities of the markets and managing the emotional and psychological aspects of trading.

My goal was to bridge this gap by creating a comprehensive educational platform that not only teaches the fundamentals of trading but also provides ongoing support and mentorship. I wanted to offer a more holistic approach to trading education, combining rigorous academic content with practical, real-world trading strategies and psychological resilience training.

Another key inspiration was the desire to build a community of traders who could support and learn from each other. Trading can be a very solitary endeavour, and having a network of like-minded individuals can make a significant difference in a trader’s journey. This is why we developed the Trader Hub and our community Discord channel, to foster collaboration and continuous learning.

Moreover, my personal success in the markets and the valuable lessons I learned along the way drove me to share this knowledge and help others achieve their trading goals. By providing high-quality, Ofqual regulated and CPD-accredited programmes and resources, I aimed to make a positive impact on the trading community and help traders of all levels enhance their skills and confidence.

In essence, Samuel and Co Trading was born out of a passion for trading and a commitment to empowering others to succeed in the financial markets. Our innovative approach to education and our dedication to our community continue to drive our mission and vision for the future.

Who Do You Admire?

I greatly admire James Simons, the founder of Renaissance Technologies. James Simons is a remarkable figure in the world of finance and quantitative trading. His pioneering work in developing mathematical models for trading has revolutionised the industry. What stands out about Simons is his transition from academia to finance. With a background in mathematics and his work as a codebreaker during the Vietnam War, he brought a unique analytical approach to trading that was groundbreaking at the time.

Simons’ dedication to rigorous scientific research and his ability to apply complex mathematical theories to practical trading strategies are truly inspirational. Under his leadership, Renaissance Technologies became one of the most successful hedge funds in the world, with its Medallion Fund known for its unparalleled returns. Simons’ approach to leveraging data, patterns, and algorithms to predict market movements aligns with the innovative spirit we strive for at Samuel and Co Trading.

I also admire Simons’ commitment to philanthropy. After retiring from active trading, he has focused on various philanthropic efforts, particularly in the field of scientific research and education. His establishment of the Simons Foundation, which funds research in mathematics and the basic sciences, exemplifies how success in business can be used to contribute positively to society.

Simons’ career serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of continuous learning, innovation, and giving back, values that are deeply embedded in the ethos of Samuel and Co Trading. His ability to merge academic rigour with practical application in finance is a benchmark for what we aspire to achieve in providing top-notch trading education and resources to our community.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?

Looking back, there are a few things I would have done differently with Samuel and Co Trading. Reflecting on the journey and the decisions made along the way offers valuable insights that can help improve future endeavours.

Firstly, I would have placed a greater emphasis on building a robust technological infrastructure from the outset. While we have always prioritised providing high-quality education and support, having a more advanced technological foundation earlier on could have enhanced our ability to deliver content and interact with our community more effectively. This includes developing more sophisticated online platforms and tools to streamline the learning experience for our students.

Secondly, I would have invested more in marketing and outreach in the early stages. Our primary focus was on creating and refining our educational programmes, which meant that our marketing efforts were somewhat secondary. By allocating more resources to marketing earlier, we could have reached a broader audience sooner, helping more aspiring traders benefit from our offerings.

Additionally, I would have implemented a more structured feedback loop with our students from the beginning. While we have always valued feedback and continuously sought to improve our programmes, establishing a formal process for collecting and analysing student feedback earlier would have allowed us to make more targeted improvements and address any issues more swiftly.

Finally, I would have expanded our network of industry partnerships sooner. Collaborating with other financial institutions and educational entities can bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunities to our students. Earlier partnerships could have provided additional resources and insights, further enriching our educational content and support services.

What defines your way of doing business?

At Samuel and Co Trading, our business approach is defined by several core principles that guide our operations and interactions. We prioritise high-quality, CPD-accredited training, ensuring traders receive both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Leveraging advanced technology, we provide cutting-edge trading tools and strategies. Integrity and transparency are foundational, fostering trust and long-term relationships with our clients. We offer personalised support through one-on-one coaching and community engagement, catering to each trader’s unique journey. Building a collaborative trading community is central to our philosophy, encouraging knowledge-sharing and mutual support. We are committed to continuous improvement, actively seeking feedback to enhance our programmes and services. Adhering to high ethical standards, we ensure trust and fairness in all our operations. These principles underpin our mission to empower traders with the knowledge, skills, and support needed for success in the financial markets.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

For someone starting out in trading, my advice would be to focus on education and discipline. Begin with a strong foundation by learning the basics of the markets, different trading strategies, and risk management techniques. Make use of high-quality educational resources and consider enrolling in accredited programmes.

Start small and gradually increase your investments as you gain experience and confidence. Develop a solid trading plan and stick to it, avoiding emotional decisions. Leverage technology to access advanced trading tools and data analysis.

Additionally, seek out mentorship and engage with a supportive trading community. Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial, so always stay updated with market trends and feedback on your performance. Lastly, maintain ethical standards and a long-term perspective to build a sustainable and successful trading career.