How a Trader Got Started: Insights from the Inside

Every successful trader has a story — one filled with hustle, smart moves, and lessons learned along the way. Trading isn’t just about crunching numbers; it’s about spotting trends, managing risks, and making sharp decisions that can lead to real financial wins. Traders keep the markets alive, setting prices and making sure there’s always action. Some do it as a side hustle, others go all in and make it their career.

The appeal? Potential financial gains, independence, and the thrill of navigating market trends. But it’s not all smooth sailing — trading requires preparation, strategy, and a resilient mindset.

If you’re still reading, chances are you’ve encountered the art of trading, are a casual trader yourself, or want to pursue it full-time. Read on for expert advice from some seasoned traders.

1. It all begins with a hunger for knowledge.

Tristan Valerio, Head of BPI Securities’ High Net Worth Desk, recalls starting his trading journey out of necessity. Years later, now a well-known expert, he does not consider himself as a “success” but as a survivor of the market’s unpredictable nature. His secret? A never-ending thirst for learning.

“The skills I obtained to survive and fight another day in the market is due to my voracious appetite for knowledge,” Tristan shares.

For Edward Jacinto, Head of BPI Institutional Dealing, his journey began with research as part of his profession. Inspired by a mentor, he eventually transitioned to being a trader. He then poured hours into trading in different markets, recognizing that knowledge and experience go hand in hand.

2.  Mental and emotional preparation is key.

The phrase “change is constant" rings especially true in trading. Market dynamics can quickly change over time and Edward notes that adaptability is essential to being a good trader. 

When emotions of fear or greed come into play, a person’s objectivity can easily get swayed, “Trading requires mental fortitude, you never know what’s next, so it’s important to know and learn how to keep it together,” he adds.

3. Accept that losing is part of the trade.

A strong risk appetite is expected from traders. Managing losses, however, is just as important. Tristan offers practical advice for anyone who’s just begun, “Start small. If you have an amount in mind, trade half or a third of that.

While you can never go wrong with reading books and articles, “Real education comes when you start losing money and the mental anguish that brings will never be replicated by any book,” he adds. Edward supplements this by sharing advice that is often neglected: to keep a trading journal. It’s a record that can tell you what works and what doesn’t.

4. Have strategies and tools handy.

Becoming a better trader means you need to be equipped with a solid tool kit. Edward lists the 4 most basic but essential strategies: Fundamental analysis, technical analysis, flow analysis, and money/risk management.

As for Tristan, he likes to see trading through a more artistic lens: a mix of studying world history, understanding the present, and pragmatically projecting future trends. He likens it to an artist blending colors or a chef combining spices, where the magic lies in balancing these different elements.

5. Prioritize yourself and know when to step back.

Edward reflects on how trading can be a humbling experience. “While there may be days of winning streaks, unforeseen circumstances can still happen. It’s necessary to know when to step back and take a break. The markets will always be there for you but you may not always be there for the market,” he advises. 

It's easy to get caught up in the thrill of gaining, and inevitably, the sting of losing money — but Tristan echoes a truth one shouldn’t lose sight of, “The market is so big, it does not even know you exist. Take care of yourself, always.”

For more expert insights and tips, visit NEXT by BPI Preferred’s The Program.