The 5 Highest-Paid Prop Traders & Their Secrets to Success
The world of proprietary trading is full of challenges but also great opportunities. The most successful prop traders stand out for their strategy, discipline, and ability to adapt to changing markets. Who are these traders, and what can we learn from them?
1. Mike Bellafiore – The Mentor of Prop Traders
Mike Bellafiore is the co-founder of SMB Capital, one of the most well-known prop trading firms on Wall Street. He wrote One Good Trade, where he explains how a trader can survive and achieve long-term success. Lesson: Discipline and proper risk management are key to a sustainable trading career.
2. Navinder Singh Sarao – The Trader Who Triggered the Flash Crash
Navinder Singh Sarao started as a prop trader in London, managing millions through high-frequency trading (HFT). He used spoofing tactics, a practice that eventually led to legal issues. Lesson: Speed and technology are crucial in prop trading, but ethics matter just as much.
3. Anton Kreil – The Prop Trader Who Became an Educator
Anton Kreil was a former trader at Goldman Sachs who later became a prop trader in hedge funds. He founded the Institute of Trading & Portfolio Management, training traders in professional strategies. Lesson: Proper risk management is more important than simply winning trades.
4. Stevie Cohen – The Hedge Fund Billionaire with Prop Trading Roots
Stevie Cohen began as a prop trader before founding SAC Capital and later Point72 Asset Management. His ability to analyze market patterns and take calculated risks made him one of the wealthiest figures in finance. Lesson: Market intuition and risk-taking, when backed by data, can lead to massive success.
5. Andrew Aziz – The Active Day Trader
Andrew Aziz is a prop trader and the founder of Bear Bull Traders, a trading community that helps day traders improve their strategies. He is also the author of How to Day Trade for a Living. Lesson: Success in day trading comes from a clear strategy, emotional control, and continuous learning.
What Can We Learn from Them?
The most successful prop traders share key traits:
Strict Risk Management – They never risk more than they can afford to lose and always follow a well-defined risk-reward ratio.
Continuous Learning & Analysis – They study the markets, backtest their strategies, and adapt to new market conditions.
Data-Driven Strategies – They base their trades on a combination of technical indicators, fundamental analysis, and market sentiment.
Discipline & Emotional Control – They develop strong mental resilience and follow their trading plans without emotional interference.
Capital Access & Firm Support – Many prop traders began their careers through proprietary trading firms or hedge funds, gaining access to large capital pools, mentorship, and institutional-grade resources.
Top prop traders prove that success in trading is not about luck but about risk management, strategy, and adapting to market conditions. If you want to follow their path, discipline and continuous education are the first steps toward achieving long-term success.
