Patrick Reid: From BBC Scheduler to Leading FX Trader and Educator
In the competitive world of financial trading, few stories are as inspiring as that of Patrick Reid. A seasoned FX trader, educator, and mentor, Reid has transformed his career from a long tenure in broadcasting to becoming a respected figure in the foreign exchange markets. His journey highlights resilience, adaptability, and a passion for teaching others. This article delves into Patrick Reid’s education, experience, and his commitment to helping late-career professionals transition into profitable professional FX traders.
Early Education and Foundation
Patrick Reid’s academic background laid a solid foundation for his multifaceted career. He attended St Johns College York from 1992 to 1995, where he studied Film, American History, and TV Film and American History. Graduating with a respectable 2:1, Reid’s initial educational pursuits were far from finance but equipped him with critical thinking and analytical skills that would later serve him well in trading.
Career Beginnings at the BBC
Reid’s professional journey began in the media industry. He spent nearly two decades working within the BBC and related broadcasting organisations, taking on roles that included scheduler, senior scheduler, and schedule assistant. His responsibilities involved managing channel programming across different genres and regions, notably the Nordics and EMEA territories. His time at the BBC was marked by strategic planning and operational excellence, skills that proved invaluable when he transitioned into trading.
Transition to Financial Markets
In his late thirties, Reid made a bold career shift from broadcasting to financial trading, a move that many would find daunting. He started at the largest proprietary trading desk in Europe, specialising in futures contracts—specifically German debt instruments. After two years, he moved to spot foreign exchange (FX) trading, focusing on G10 currencies, which include the world’s major economies’ currencies such as the US dollar, Euro, and British pound.
This career change was underpinned by a determination to thrive in an entirely new environment and demonstrated Reid’s capacity for continuous learning and adaptation. His experience in structured media roles translated into a disciplined, analytical approach to trading, enabling him to understand complex market dynamics.
Professional Trading Experience
Patrick Reid’s trading career spans multiple reputable firms and encompasses various roles:
Tower Trading Group
At Tower Trading Group, Reid specialised in derivatives trading, focusing on outright futures involving government debt, equities, and FX futures. His expertise included trading Bunds, Treasury Notes, and Gilts, alongside major currency pairs like EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/JPY. He placed strong emphasis on macroeconomic factors, market profile, and data analysis, laying a foundation for his current trading philosophies.
Edgewater Markets and Price Markets UK
At Edgewater Markets, Reid traded spot G10 currencies and briefly incorporated emerging market currencies as market indicators. His role involved producing comprehensive daily and weekly market reports. Subsequently, at Price Markets UK, he worked as a spot trader with a continued focus on G10 majors.
Founding The Adamis Principle
In 2017, Patrick Reid co-founded The Adamis Principle alongside Adam Gazzoli. The company aims to bridge the gap between retail and institutional trading by mentoring FX traders of all levels. Drawing on over 30 years of combined experience in hedge funds and banking, the founders emphasise practical, market-driven strategies over theoretical analysis.
The Adamis Principle’s mentoring approach involves helping traders develop robust risk management techniques and a deep understanding of tradable macroeconomic themes. Reid’s belief is that successful trading hinges on disciplined risk definition and a Sherlock Holmes-like mindset to decipher market clues daily.
Role as an Educator
Patrick Reid extends his expertise beyond trading desks through his role as a visiting lecturer at the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education. Since April 2021, he has been teaching macroeconomics with a particular focus on foreign exchange markets. Assisting course director Douglas Williamson, Reid brings real-world trading experience into the classroom, enriching the academic environment with practical insights.
His educational efforts also include a popular free masterclass, “How to Trade US Macro with USD and Risk Assets,” designed to help late-career professionals make the leap into professional FX trading. The course demystifies macroeconomic analysis and institutional trading practices, providing learners with actionable knowledge to succeed.
Media Presence and Thought Leadership
Reid’s expertise has earned him recognition in the media, including appearances on ITV, BBC, Reuters, and contributions to prominent publications such as The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, and The Mirror. These engagements highlight his ability to communicate complex financial topics in an accessible and engaging manner, further establishing his authority in the field.
Mission and Vision
At the heart of Patrick Reid’s work is a mission to empower late-career changers—individuals who may be well-established in their professions but seek meaningful change through trading. Reid understands the challenges such transitions present, having undergone one himself. His mentorship emphasises achieving profitability, realising full potential, and ultimately attaining a lifestyle where trading affords both financial and personal freedom.
The Trading Philosophy of Patrick Reid
Reid’s approach to trading is pragmatic and grounded in the realities of the market. He advocates for:
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Macro-Focused Analysis: Understanding how global economic data influences currency markets.
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Risk Management: Prioritising risk definition to protect capital.
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Technical and Market Profile Tools: Using charts and market behaviour to identify opportunities.
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Institutional Insights: Leveraging knowledge of how professional desks operate.
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Continuous Learning: Approaching markets with curiosity and discipline akin to a detective.
This holistic philosophy enables traders to adapt to changing market conditions and develop sustainable trading careers.
Conclusion
Patrick Reid exemplifies the successful career transformation from media to financial markets. His journey underscores the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and mentorship in mastering the art of trading. As an educator, trader, and mentor, Reid’s contributions not only inspire but also equip others to navigate the complexities of FX trading with confidence. For late-career professionals seeking a fresh and lucrative path, Patrick Reid’s story and guidance offer a beacon of possibility.
