Pelican’s group — The Collective Trader (TCT)

Every month, Pelican will be conducting an interview with one of the top traders on the Pelican platform. This is to give a deeper and more insightful analysis into the character of the best traders within the Pelican community.

My name is Ismail Bashir, I am 33 years of age I come from a business background, I’ve owned various different businesses from a male hair salon to car hire companies, so working with numbers and taking risks is something that comes naturally to me, hence why I never panic when a trade is going against me.

When and how did you learn to trade successfully?

I have been trading for five years now. I self taught myself under the guidance of a hedge fund manager who was a good friend of mine.

How long have you been a mentor and what sent you down that path?

I have been mentoring students for a year now, and my reason for going down this path was because I wanted to help others who were struggling to get a clear understanding of trading. I wanted to show them that trading should be simple with the right guidance. A lot of people complicate trading by taking in too much unnecessary information which clogs up the brain and causes confusion. Under my guidance I simplify trading.

In brief, what is your trading strategy?

My strategy is simple, price action which I break down from the higher time frames and use the lower time frames to find my entry.

What is your track record in terms of performance?

My Pelican account speaks for itself.

Do you require potential students to have a level of trading expertise already or can you educate those new to trading?

No trading experience is needed.

With regard to risk management what account size do you recommend, as a minimum, for those students following you via your Pelican group?

I don’t like telling people what to invest into trading because we all value money differently but what I do say is trading is a business, so invest what you would invest into a new start-up business. I would bare in mind that I am a swing trader, so my average risk per trade is between 150–300 pips.

Do you specialise in specific markets?

Company stocks and indices are my main focus, but I do trade currency pairs and commodities. The style of trading I use allows you to trade any financial instrument.

Do you use Stops and Limits?

Yes, they are very important because the market can always do what it wants so it’s always good to protect yourself against black swan events which are beyond anyone’s control.

Do you trade directly or use orders?

I prefer to enter and exit my trades manually.

How many trades do you average a week/month?

About 40 trades a month depending on the market condition — so c.8 trades a week.

What time commitment do you recommend to benefit from your service on Pelican?

Just pay attention. I would always be aware and alert because as a swinger trader I’m always looking or waiting for entries into positions throughout the week.

What are the subscription costs associated with your Pelican group?

Currently its free, when the service becomes chargeable we are looking to offer the group at £79 with the first month being free to allow you to make the money to pay for the following month.

Do you have any performance offers or deals?

The first month is free and the 12th month is free.

What excites you about the future of your Pelican group?

It allows novice traders and expert traders, to capitalize off my knowledge and also develop themself into top profitable traders.

Only with Pelican can you discuss, copy or even oppose the trades of your friends, see the positions of professional traders and follow them, as well as seek out a selection of Britain’s top mentors, all within one app.

It is the first truly social trading platform. If you haven’t yet done so, join today!

Spread betting and CFD trading are leveraged products and as such carry a high level of risk to your capital which can result in losses greater than your initial deposit. These products may not be suitable for all investors. CFDs are not suitable for pension building and income. Ensure you fully understand all risks involved and seek independent advice if necessary.