How a Trading Power Couple Built a Financial Empire

Summary

What if the secret to building a decades-long successful trading firm lies in a partnership forged in life as well as business? This episode of Standing Table sits down with Jenny Just and Matt Hulsizer, co-founders of Peak 6 Investments and Apex Fintech Solutions. They share their journey from the trading floors of Chicago in the '90s to running a multi-faceted financial enterprise. What's remarkable is their ability to synergize, with their trading business boasting an impressive 28-year streak of profitability without a single losing year, a testament to their collective approach and focus on technology. They explain how their initial aversion to management, rather than foresight, drove them to embrace technology, making them pioneers in electronic trading. The conversation also delves into the crucial, often overlooked, skill of risk-taking, especially for women, with a fascinating discussion on how learning poker can build financial confidence and decision-making skills under uncertainty. They recount the chaotic but ultimately successful acquisition of Apex Fintech Solutions in 2012, a complex situation that highlighted their deep understanding of the clearing and custody business and their commitment to building solutions for brokers and their customers. Their advice for the future centers on embracing AI and, more importantly, teaching essential financial literacy and risk-taking, particularly to young women, through practical skills like playing poker. This episode is highly recommended for its candid insights into building successful businesses, navigating market volatility, and fostering financial empowerment, making the full watch a valuable experience.