Jonathan Bouchard

Jonathan Bouchard is a Canadian trader and entrepreneur who built his career by relying on direct experience in financial markets rather than a traditional academic route. He entered the world of trading at the age of 17 and quickly established himself by applying disciplined strategies that generated consistent results. Over time, he gained recognition for managing large portfolios, achieving record-breaking sales in banking, and earning the nickname “Home Run” for his performance during the COVID-19 crisis. Alongside trading, he has worked to build one of Quebec’s most active trading communities, creating spaces that support both aspiring and experienced traders.

Early Years and Introduction to Markets

Raised in Montreal, Quebec, after being born in New Brunswick, he took an alternative approach to education. While many of his peers pursued university degrees, he began trading currencies at the age of 17. His early knowledge came not from textbooks but through self-learning, observation, and practical market participation. This decision marked the beginning of a career that prioritized real-world application over formal instruction.

Breakthrough at a Proprietary Trading Firm

By 18, his early progress opened the door to Montreal Trading Group, a proprietary trading firm that provided him with discretionary control over $5 million in capital. Despite not holding a degree, the firm trusted him based on his results and potential. His work involved building and refining strategies such as pair trading and market making while operating in environments that included dark pools and electronic communication networks.

During his tenure, he focused heavily on quantitative modeling and backtesting, aiming to develop strategies that consistently produced steady results across multiple trades. This focus on positive expectancy allowed him to help improve two of the firm’s most profitable systems. His contributions demonstrated that consistency and process-driven thinking could yield strong outcomes even in highly competitive markets.

Career in Banking and Brokerage

In 2019, he joined BMO Financial Group as a stockbroker, where he managed portfolios for a wide range of clients, including individuals with assets exceeding $10 million. His work encompassed advanced financial instruments, including derivatives and complex multi-leg options strategies. Within a short period, his performance set him apart in a competitive environment.

One of his most notable accomplishments was setting a new sales record by closing $129 million in a single quarter. This achievement exceeded benchmarks set by more senior colleagues and equated to approximately $300,000 in sales per hour. His success also earned him a national ranking as the third overall stockbroker in Canada, highlighting his ability to operate at a high level in institutional finance.

Defining Performance During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 crisis proved to be a turning point in his career. While many investors chose defensive strategies, Jonathan Bouchard recognized opportunities in merger and acquisition activity that faced increased risk due to economic instability. By positioning through stock derivatives against deals likely to be delayed or abandoned, he achieved a 15-fold return on investment.

This performance, which came at a time when many portfolios suffered significant losses, earned him the nickname “Home Run.” The strategy reflected his ability to act decisively in volatile conditions, reinforcing his reputation as a trader who could identify unique opportunities in challenging environments.

Founding The Trading Floor

After years of success in both proprietary trading and brokerage, he decided to create a platform to support other traders. In 2024, he founded The Trading Floor, a community designed for both digital and physical market participants. The initiative quickly grew into one of Quebec’s largest trading communities, attracting over 1,000 students.

The platform offers education in areas such as stocks, forex, and cryptocurrencies, with a focus on strategies that have demonstrated long-term profitability. Beyond schooling, The Trading Floor built one of the province’s largest physical trading venues, designed to accommodate 70 traders simultaneously. The space encourages collaboration, real-time learning, and shared growth.

Philosophy Toward Education

His teaching reflects the path he chose for himself. Rather than relying solely on theory, he encourages students to gain knowledge through practice while developing discipline, emotional control, and risk management. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on long-term results rather than short-term wins. Many of his students have reported strong performance, with some achieving monthly earnings in the tens of thousands, a reflection of the effectiveness of his training model.

Industry Credentials and Recognition

Although his path was unconventional, he also completed the regulatory courses needed for work in formal financial institutions. He earned certifications through the Canadian Securities Institute, including the Canadian Securities Course in June 2019, the Conduct and Practices Handbook qualification in July 2019, and the licensing course for derivatives and options. These credentials provided the foundation to combine independent trading with licensed roles in banking.

Over the years, Jo Bouchard’s work has been recognized through awards and acknowledgments. At Montreal Trading Group, he was named “Trader of the Month” twice, while at BMO Financial Group, he received the “Employee of the Quarter” award on two occasions within a year. These milestones demonstrated both consistent performance and professional dedication.