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June 12, 2018
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Algorithmic Trading Consultancy, Training, and Coaching Services
Offering structured educational training courses, or bespoke consultancy, for algo traders. Specializing in trading system development, backtesting and optimization.
Note that we only accept a very small number of clients each year, and we are currently at full capacity
We are therefore not accepting any new clients at this time
STRUCTURED TRAINING MODULES
Training is divided into individual modules (see below). Modules 1 to 5 provide the foundational eduaction to help you learn how to become a successful algo trader.
Module 6 is where it gets really exciting. Here we work together to build a trading system hands-on, from defining a premise, development, optimization, and right through to achieving a production-ready EA.
Note that we provide 'eduactional' services only, and do not provide financial or investment advice.
This module covers the basic understanding and foundations required if you aspire to be an algo trader.
It is aimed at those who are completely new to trading. Traders with existing experience will probably not need to complete this module.
The module includes:
- Interpreting Price data on charts, including OHLC data
- Trade and Order Types
- Trading instruments / symbol fundamentals
Level: Beginner
Duration: 2-3 Hours
Delivery: Delivery is split between online videos for the core cotent, followed by a 1-2-1 session with Martyn Tinsley (1.5 hours using Zoom/Skype/Hangouts) to discuss the module subject, helping you gain a deeper understanding, and to answer any outstanding questions you have about the content to complete your learning.
Cost: GBP £350 (€ 395 / US $450)4
No pre-requisites
This module covers fundamental aspects of market dynamics, including the reasons why markets and price action move in the way they do, and looks at the most common patterns that tend to repeat again and again. A thorough understanding of these patterns is an essential prerequisite to help you in identifying a system premise.
The understanding provided by this module is essential to enable you to develop a trading strategy with a real edge in later modules. The fundamental knowledge this module provides is what will help to set you apart from 80%-90% of other retail traders who think that algo system development is simply a case of combining and optimizing indicators (an approach that is very unlikely to lead to a successful or profitable system).
The module includes:
- The reasons why financial markets and price action move in the way they do. This looks at different market participants and how the collective actions drive the market dynamics
-
Rationale and reason for the most common, repeatable price action patterns:
- Trading Ranges
- Breakouts
- Trends
- Consideration of how trading premises can be used to take advantage of these market dynamics to extract a systematic 'edge' in trading systems
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Delivery: Delivery is split between online videos for the core cotent, followed by a 1-2-1 session with Martyn Tinsley (2 hours using Zoom/Skype/Hangouts) to discuss the module subject, helping you gain a deeper understanding; work through the tasks set in the videos; and to answer any outstanding questions you have about the content to complete your learning.
Cost: GBP £450 (€ 520 / US $620)4
It is necessary to have a basic understanding of price charts and OHLC data. If you do not feel you have this then you'll need to complete the following module first:
- Module 1: Algo Trading Basics
This module covers what we consider to be the essential elements of a fit-for-purpose Expert Advisor, optimized for both backtesting, optimization and operational use.
The module covers the concept of an ‘EA Framework’ to allow system development to be quicker and operational support to be easier. This course does not only cover the theory but also provides the user with our own EA Framework which can be used to then build your own rules and strategies.
The module includes:
-
The essential components of an algo trading system:
-
Trade Entry Hierarchy
- Bias
- Filters (Trend, Volatility, Economic News)
- Trading Signals
- Triggers
- Pre-Execution Checks (e.g. Spread Filter)
-
Trade Exit Hierarchy
- Signal-based Exits
- Stop Losses
- Take Profits
- Economic News and time-based based exits
- Multi-Symbol Capability
- Risk Management & Position Sizing Methodologies
- Trade Execution and Management
- Performance Metrics to measure system performance
- Plus more…
-
Trade Entry Hierarchy
-
The concept of a re-usable EA Framework to achieve the above
- Rapid system development
- Improved management of a portfolio of systems
- Single reusable EA codebase to manage and adapt to different systems
- As part of this module we will make our MT5 EA Framework available to you, which provides all of the above functionality, ready to use. However, note that this does not come with any ongoing support beyond the duration of your training engagement.1
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 4-5 Hours
Delivery: Delivery is split between online videos for the core cotent, followed by a 1-2-1 session with Martyn Tinsley (2 hours using Zoom/Skype/Hangouts) to discuss the module subject, provide an overview of the EA Framework, and answer any outstanding questions you have about the content to complete your learning.
Cost: GBP £1250 (€ 1,450 / US $1,740)4
Additional Benefits: TLAM EA Framework included in price1
Note: We can provide a significant discount on this module when also purchasing Module 6 - Hands-on. Enquire for details.
No pre-requisites
This module covers the theory concerning the end-to-end development, backtesting and optimization process.
There is a strong emphasis on the use of best-practice techniques, in order to ensure robustness. Furthermore, techniques to help avoid over-fitting (over-optimization), are covered in detail.
This is all provided within the framework of our tested and proven 14-Stage best-practice methodology.
The understanding provided by this module is essential to enable you to develop a trading strategy with a real edge in later modules. The fundamental knowledge this module provides, is what will help to set you apart from 80%-90% of other retail traders who think that algo system development is simply a case of combining and optimizing indicators (an approach that is very unlikely to lead to a successful or profitable system).
In this module we will share our 14-Stage Best-Practice Methodology to developing, backtesting and optimizing algo trading systems. This includes:
- Iterative Development methodology & backtest validation
- Optimization Techniques
- Optimizations and Walk Forward Phases
- In-Sample and Out-of-sample data
- Modes of operation (Tick, M1 Open, TF Open,…)
- Interpreting results
- Optimization Profiles and Surfaces
- Measuring system performance
- Multi-stage Walk Forward Analysis
-
Practicalities of backtesting and optimizing in MT5.
- Note that we recommend that traders do not use MT4 for backtesting. The disadvantages compared to MT5 are significant. Furthermore, MT4 has not been receiving any functionality updates for some time and will not in the future. All MetaQuotes R&D is now being spent on MT5.
Level: Intermediate
Duration: 10-12 Hours
Delivery: Delivery is split between online videos for the core cotent, and 1-2-1 sessions with Martyn Tinsley (5 x 1 hour sessions using Zoom/Skype/Hangouts) interspersed throught the duration of training. In these 1-2-1 sessions we will discuss the module subject areas, and answer any outstanding questions you have about the content to complete your learning.
Cost: GBP £1250 (€ 1,450 / US $1,740)4
Additional Benefits: 50% off a Walk Forward Pro Lifetime Licence
It is necessary to have a basic understanding of price charts and OHLC data. If you do not feel you have this then you'll need to complete the following module first:
- Module 1: Algo Trading Basics
Without data that is suitable for backtesting and optimization, the whole process is pointless. Without adequate data, the results you obtain will be unreliable and misleading.
This module covers the process to get your data in order, prior to backtesting starting.
In addition to unsderstanding the problems of historical price data, and the best-practice methodology to pre-process data, making it suitable for backtesting, you will also be provided with our 'Data Pre-processing Application'3 which takes tick data2 and pre-processes to make suitable for loading into MT5 Custom Symbols, which facilitates optimal backtesting and Optimization conditions.
You will also be provided with our 'Broker Price Data Analysis Tool'3 so that the resulting data used for backtesting is a close representation of the broker data you will ultimately use for live trading.
Note that we do not provide you with historical price data as part of this module, however we do recommend how and where to source this from.
Level: Advanced
Duration: 4-6 Hours with additional homework between sessions
Delivery: Delivery is split between online videos for the core cotent, and 1-2-1 sessions with Martyn Tinsley (3 x 1 hour sessions using Zoom/Skype/Hangouts) interspersed throught the duration of training. In these 1-2-1 sessions we will discuss the module subject areas, get you set up to use our data pre-processing application, and answer any outstanding questions you have about the content to complete your learning.
Cost: GBP £750 (€ 870 / US $1,040)4
Additional Benefits: Broker Price Data Metrics Analyser, and Data Pre-processing application included in price3
- It is preferrable to have a basic understanding of data, price charts and OHLC bars. If you feel you need additional help you might consider Module 1: Algo Trading Basics
- The module requires access to good quality tick data which is used as the input for pre-processing. For this we recommend you purchase Tick Data Suite (TDS).
This is a 'hands-on' module where we will jointly work to produce a trading system.
This will cover the entire end-to-end process from identifying a premise to exploit an edge, development using the TLAM EA Framework, and optimization of the system.
If we both consider that the resulting system is tradeable, we will help you to prepare to deploy and run in a live account on a VPS.
The hands-on process includes:
- Defining the system premise – usually taking an idea you have and building this into a viable system premise, in order to exploit an edge. If we don’t think your idea will work, we will let you know at this point to avoid wasting further effort, and will work with you to identify a better candidate trading system.
- Preliminary manual validation of premise
-
Development of the trading expert advisor (this will use the TLAM EA Framework built in MQL5), incorporating, but not limited to the following:
- Filters
- Entry and Exit Trading Signals
- Stop Loss and Take Profit exits
- Position sizing strategy implementation
- Trade Execution and Management
- Diagnostics
- Initial automated validation and debugging of the developed expert
- Initial back testing
- Initial Parameter Optimization
- Pre-live Optimization using Walk Forward Analysis
- Guidance around go-live process and ongoing management
Level: Advanced
Duration: 14-18 Hours with additional homework between sessions
Delivery: Delivery is exclusively via 1-2-1 sessions with Martyn Tinsley (Approx. 8 x 2 hour sessions using Zoom/Skype/Hangouts). Be prepared to put in significant effort between sessions to put into practice the steps of our methodology we will teach you.
Cost: GBP £2,990 (€ 3,450 / US $4,110)4
Additional Benefits: Walk Forward Pro Lifetime Licence, and TLAM EA Framework included in price1
The following modules need to be undertaken prior to purchasing this module:
- Module 2: Market Dynamics (Essential)
- Module 3: Components of an Algo Trading Expert Advisor (Essential)
- Module 4: Backtesting and Optimization (Essential)
- Module 5: Historical Price Data Preparation (Recommended)
- Development will be undertaken in our own EA Framework (which you are provided with) which operates on MT5 (not MT4)
- Some MQL5 coding knowlege and skills will be a definite advantage (alternatively you will need the ability to learn quickly, and it will help if you have experience of other coding languages).
Everything you need to develop your own Trading Expert Advisors (EAs) for MT5
We will tailor the MQL5 training course for you, dependent on your existing knowledge and skills.
We can cover everything from basic variable use, loops, conditional processing, to more advanced techniques such as accessing price data from code, indicator handles and values, and much more.
Level: Advanced
Duration: Dependent on your experience and requirements
Delivery: Skype / Google Hangouts
Cost: GBP £120 per hour (€ 135 / US $155 per hour)4
Whenever learning a new programming language it is always highly advantageous if you have experience of other languages. Although not essential, it will make your progress more rapid.
About The Trainer / Consultant
A passion for all things analytical, and in particular for automated algorithmic trading using artificial intelligence and reinforcement learning.
Customer Feedback
"Martyn cuts through anything you don’t need to know and jam packs each session with essential value and actionable techniques."
"I must say that the service provided has exceeded my expectations. Martyn doesn’t shy away from sharing the skills and knowledge that he has acquired throughout the years."
"Martyn has equipped me with the right knowledge and tools to become a successful algorithmic trader. What I like about Martyn is that he is not only a great coach but also a successful algorithmic trader himself."
"I have reached a level that I could not have imagined before I started the training. Now I can develop my own strategies avoiding all the traps that most traders are not even aware of."
See more feedback on our training and consultancy services at the bottom of this page
"I’ve been a client of 'Trade Like A Machine' for around 3 years. I’ve worked directly with Martyn Tinsley as a consultancy client over the last 4 to 5 months. To say that I’ve made quantum leaps is no understatement.
Over the years I’ve met with a handful of outstanding traders and fund managers. One that I’ve worked with and actually come away with workable, long-term plan and genuine value is Martyn. Martyn has a remarkable skillset and expertise in the most forward-looking of trading abilities.
Using Martyn’s methods, I’ve already built profitable systems but Martyn teaches long-term thinking and strategising. Working with Martyn has given me total confidence in my own ability to create and update investment strategies over the long-term. He’s shown me how to prove what works in the markets and what doesn't.
He cuts through anything you don’t need to know and jam packs each session with essential value and actionable techniques. I cannot recommend working with Martyn enough. He cares about the results you are going to get and has a strong attitude of capital preservation. He’s also a great guy."
Dr Samuel Beatson
Algorithmic Trader and Investment Manager (Sheffield, UK)
"Martyn has been monumental in my progression to becoming a self-sustained algorithmic trader. He has the foresight and experience to highlight your blindspots quickly, some of which could have taken months or years to recognise on your own.
He lays out very clear and common sense pathways to attaining a robust system and gives you the right tools to build it yourself. He openly articulates frameworks to produce successful systems (that he untises himself) and gives clear insights as to why they matter.
Martyn is backed up with results and experience. He has the ability to talk deeply on any subject related to the financial markets and will have some thoughtful insights into any unique problem you may have. Martyn has given me confidence by giving me knowledge. I am looking forward to our future interactions.
If you take algorithmic trading seriously, having Martyn as part of your journey is essential."
Sean Johnson
Algorithmic Trader (Wellington, New Zealand)
“After trying to wrap my head around algorithmic trading for a year, and after following Martyn on social media and reading his blog and articles, I realized immediately that he was the person that could help me put things into perspective and guide me.
I have taken a couple of the training modules with Martyn, in addition to bespoke consultancy in many areas surrounding algorithmic trading, optimization, and coding. I must say that the service provided has exceeded my expectations. Martyn doesn’t shy away from sharing the skills and knowledge that he has acquired throughout the years. It has been very insightful and eye-opening in many areas. He changed the way I approach trading.
I highly recommend his services for anyone that is seeking a serious path in algorithmic trading.”
Abbas Khelkhali
Algorithmic Trader and Trading System Developer (Dubai - United Arab Emirates)
"Martyn is a great coach and has deep knowledge in the field of algorithmic trading.
He designed a coaching program just for me based on how much I knew about forex trading and systematic trading; he patiently walked me through the program.
Martyn has equipped me with the right knowledge and tools to become a successful algorithmic trader. What I like about Martyn is that he is not only a great coach but also a successful algorithmic trader; this was an incredibly important point for me in my decision to work with him. He made it easy to transition from manual trading to algorithmic trading."
Aboubakar Coulibaly
Algo Trader and Trading System Developer (Dhahran - Saudi Arabia)
“Martyn has a huge knowledge which he is willing to share and he also makes difficult concepts easy to understand. His scientific approach has provided me with a lot of confidence about how to develop and test systems robustly.
The training has been of huge benefit to my knowledge in algorithmic trading. I have reached a level that I could not have imagined before I started the training. Now I can develop my own strategies avoiding all the traps that most traders are not even aware of when trying to develop their own automated trading systems.
I would 100% recommend his training.”
Arnaud Hoffstetter
Professional Trader and Trading System Developer (France)
“It's been an incredible journey with Martyn. We came from the discretionary side of trading and we have been looking for some time for a way to learn algorithmic trading and put our ideas into automated EAs. We performed a lot of research on the internet and Trade Like A Machine was the best choice and this was backed up his multiple track records that demonstrated to us that what he teaches really works!
Martyn has the patience and the ability to teach everything we needed in a really understandable way, even with the barrier of the language (English is not our native language)."
Raymond and Colleagues
Traders (Spain)
Important Note: All information and resourecs provided as part the educational modules and bespoke consultancy are based on our own experience, research and findings. You should always test these ideas out for yourself before using them, to ensure they work for your own personal trading circumstances and style, and before using them for trading purposes. Note that our services are educational only and do not constitute financial investment advice of any sort.
1Some modules include our MT5 EA Framework in the price. However, note that this does not come with any support after the consultancy has finished. It's a case of 'you are free to use it, but you need to understand and support it yourself'. If you did need support for future systems that you develop, or if for example you change code that introduces a bug etc. then free support cannot be provided. You would either need to resolve any issues yourself, or pay for assistance from us on an hourly basis.
2We do not provide tick data with any of the modules but can make recommendations of where this can be sourced at your own cost.
3Some modules include our MT5 'Broker Price Data Metrics Analyser', and 'Data Pre-Processing Application' in the price. However, note that these do not come with any support after the consultancy has finished. It's a case of 'you are free to use them, but you need to understand and support it yourself'. If you did need support in the future, then free support cannot be provided. You would either need to resolve any issues yourself, or pay for assistance from us on an hourly basis.
4EUR and USD costs are provided as an approximate reference. However payments need to arrive in our bank account in GBP, using the GBP figure specified.
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About Us
We are passionate about algorithmic trading, and about helping other algorithmic traders reach their full potential.
We help traders to develop robust trading systems that deliver results in live accounts.
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