Introduction: Why Trust is the Currency That Matters Most in Trading
In an industry flooded with get-rich-quick promises, highlight reels on social media, and the allure of fast cars and fast profits, trust is the most undervalued but vital currency in prop trading. Without it, traders burn out, clients lose faith, and firms crumble.
Andrew Lockwood, the newly appointed Head of Education at Funded Trading Plus, is no stranger to this. With a career spanning over four decades — from the chaotic open outcry pits of the London Stock Exchange to educating modern traders navigating electronic markets — Andrew has seen first-hand that sustainable success isn’t just about money; it’s about trust.
In this post, Andrew opens up about his journey, the lessons from the wild 80s, and why trust, both in yourself and your prop firm, is non-negotiable for long-term trading success.
The Unlikely Beginning: A Teenager with a Dream and 42 Letters
Unlike today’s generation, where a LinkedIn connection or an online application might land you an interview, Andrew had to physically write and mail 42 handwritten letters to every firm listed on the London Stock Exchange just to get his foot in the door.
Only two replied.
“I didn’t have the grades or the formal qualifications,” Andrew recalls. “But what I did have was the determination and a fascination with the markets.”
Eventually, one firm took a chance on him, hiring him for a junior role. Within months, Andrew found himself catapulted onto the trading floor, becoming the youngest Stock Exchange jobber at the time — proof that trust, from others and within yourself, can sometimes open doors degrees cannot.
The Trading Floor: Where Trust Was Earned in Decibels, Not Data Feeds
Trading in the 1980s wasn’t the quiet, screen-filled environment we know today. It was loud, physical, and raw.
“I remember the smell of the floor,” says Andrew. “The energy was palpable. You couldn’t fake it down there — you had to be sharp, trustworthy, and reliable because mistakes or dishonesty could cost millions.”
In the Futures Exchange, where Andrew eventually found his stride, trust between traders was essential. With hundreds of thousands of dollars moving with every shout and hand signal, traders had to rely on each other implicitly — without spreadsheets, without algorithms, just sheer human connection and professionalism.
The Big Bang and the Shift in Trust
The 1990s brought the Big Bang — a sweeping deregulation that revolutionized the financial markets, merging brokers and jobbers, and ushering in the electronic trading era.
For Andrew, this seismic shift exposed a new challenge: “Trust became less about eye contact on the floor and more about data integrity, systems, and adapting to change.” Many struggled, but Andrew leaned into the challenge, adapting his skills to survive and thrive in this new world — an experience that mirrors what many traders face today as markets and platforms continue to evolve.
Fast Forward: Why Prop Traders Today Need Trust More Than Ever
Modern prop trading may not have the wild champagne-fueled lunch breaks or shouting matches on the floor, but one thing remains the same: trust is still the core of a successful trading career.
Today, trust manifests differently:
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Trust in your process: Avoid chasing hype and focus on sound strategy.
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Trust in your firm: Make sure you’re backed by a prop firm that is transparent, fair, and committed to your success.
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Trust in yourself: The discipline to manage risk and the humility to know when you’re wrong.
Andrew has seen countless traders — from the pit to the screen — who focus solely on profits and flame out. “The ones who make it,” he says, “are those who love the game, who value the challenge itself, not just the money.”
Why Andrew Joined Funded Trading Plus: A Natural Fit
So why is someone with Andrew’s pedigree — who could have easily retired or consulted quietly — now leading the education at Funded Trading Plus?
“Because they get it,” Andrew says. “They understand that trust is what separates serious prop firms from fly-by-night operations. They’ve built a platform where traders have a real shot, where fairness, integrity, and support are non-negotiable.”
And that’s exactly what Andrew aims to amplify through FTP’s education — to instill professional trading principles in a new generation of prop traders who want more than just a lucky break.
Final Thoughts: The Prop Trading Industry Needs More Trust, Not More Tricks
The prop trading industry is at a crossroads. With rising interest from retail traders worldwide, firms that prioritize fast profits over trader development risk damaging the entire space.
Andrew’s message is clear: “Forget the Lambos, forget the overnight millionaire dream. Focus on mastering the craft, surrounding yourself with trustworthy people, and aligning with a firm that has your back — the money will follow.”
See Andrew’s Full Interview Here:
👉 What do you think? Have you experienced trust issues in prop trading? Do you resonate with Andrew’s old-school trading values?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below — let’s make this a conversation worth having.
And if you found this valuable, share it with fellow traders. The industry needs more real talk like this.
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