To read this article in Spanish click here and the original article in Italian here
Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Francesco, an Italian trader who has made a name for himself on the Darwinex Zero platform. With his strategy GFUJ, he reached 8th place in the DarwinIA Silver rankings, achieving an impressive score of 97.05, a result that crowned him the best Italian trader in DarwinIA June’s edition.
In this conversation, Francesco shares his personal path, the early challenges he faced, the philosophy behind his trading and why psychology is so essential to long-term success. A candid and insightful interview for anyone who wants to understand what it really means to trade with discipline, vision and realism.
Who Was Francesco Before Becoming a Trader?
I’m a business consultant and my passion for trading began 15 years ago, and it’s never left me since.
What First Drew You to the Financial Markets?
It all started by chance. During my university years, and thanks to a long-standing interest in psychology, I stumbled upon some books about trader psychology. At first, it made no sense to me, I couldn’t see the connection between psychology and trading. But I kept reading, studying and deepening my understanding. And at the same time, I opened my first accounts: demo first, then live.
The early stages are often tough. How was it for you?
The more I studied, the more I kept losing. First in demo, then with real money. Small amounts, but enough to hurt your pride and self-confidence. But I didn’t give up. I kept losing, less and less each time. Eventually, my accounts started lasting longer and longer.
What Misconceptions Did You Realize Were Wrong Once You Started Trading?
For a long time, I made one of the biggest mistakes a new trader can make: thinking that the more you trade, the better. Believing that profits are directly proportional to the number of trades. Huge mistake. Over time, I realized the opposite is true.
The market only offers a few real opportunities and not when you want them. Yes, inefficiencies exist, but they’re rare. Winning trading comes from identifying them and acting only when the odds are clearly in your favor.
Once you understand that, the hardest part begins: resisting the constant urge to trade. The first thing a trader must learn isn’t how to trade but how not to trade. Waiting for the right moment may mean staying out of the market for days, even weeks. It’s not easy but it’s one of the keys to long-term survival.
Tell Us About Your GFUJ Strategy on Darwinex Zero
My strategy adapts throughout the year depending on market conditions. I mainly trade forex, which, for most pairs, is a “reversal” market. I try to identify the right timing and align myself with what the market is signaling.
The core concept is volatility: each pair has its own characteristics and its own point of equilibrium. My job is to understand and exploit that balance.
What Does It Take to Be a Trader, in Your Opinion?
Before you even talk about technical skills, you need to talk about psychology. With my background in psychology, I notice, especially in many trading groups, how many traders lack not only key psychological tools, but also a mentor who can prepare them for the psychological traps of the markets.
No one is born a trader, you become one. It’s a long, difficult path full of pitfalls. But with study and the right attitude, it can be done, especially if you have someone to guide you at the start.
What’s a Typical Day Like for You?
It depends on market conditions and the kind of trading I’m doing at the time. Intraday requires me to be in front of the screen a lot. But for position trading on higher timeframes, evening analysis and placing pending orders is often enough.
What Does Your DARWIN Mean to You?
It reflects my trading. But it also serves as motivation to keep improving and never lose sight of the goal.
What Rules or Principles Guide Your Trading Today?
The most important thing is to adopt a sustainable discipline. That means following the rules you set for yourself and never breaking them. Sounds easy and it is, for a week. After that, the real test begins: staying disciplined over the long run.
We’re not machines, so it’s impossible to be perfect. The goal is to be as consistent as possible while limiting the damage when you slip.
Have You Learned to Manage Your Emotions While Trading?
Emotional control is essential, no doubt about it. There are many techniques to help improve that, and they can be tailored to different personalities. But that’s a broader conversation.
Why Did You Choose Darwinex Zero and What Role Has It Played in Your Career?
I really like the philosophy behind Darwinex Zero, especially the focus on long-term growth, a concept that many traders are afraid to even mention these days. The desire for “everything, right now” is one of the greatest downfalls of the average trader.
What Does Success Mean to You in Trading?
Trading success has two sides: using a strategy that truly offers a statistical edge, and managing your emotional balance. That means not getting euphoric after three wins, and not depressed after two losses. That’s really the whole game.
Do You Believe There’s a Mindset Needed to Succeed in Trading?
Everyone has their own mental “clicks.” There’s no single mindset that works for everyone. Each person has their own personality, their own way of seeing the world and the markets. So it’s hard to generalize. That said, patience and perseverance are absolutely essential.
What Are Your Short and Long-Term Goals as a Trader?
I always try to stay grounded, after all, we’re operating in a space where 80% of retail traders lose money. Broker disclaimers are clear about this. Given that, I focus on two strategic goals: using (or discovering) strategies with a true statistical edge, and constantly working on emotional self-regulation.
Because while emotions make life extraordinary, they have no place in trading. Ever.
Thanks for reading us,
Darwinex Zero.