Top of his game, full of energy and dressed to the nines, James Michaels, EU Desk Manager at Banc de Binary’s European Headquarters is no newcomer when it comes to trading binary options. We caught up with him in one of his very short breaks to find out the inside scoop.

James, thanks for taking a few moments to tell us about your experience working in this very busy and volatile industry.

No problem, I don’t often get the time or chance to share my personal experience with clients or colleagues, so I welcome the opportunity – and the break!

So tell us a little about your career background…

I have always worked in the financial sector. Just over 14 years ago I joined a major UK Bank (now a major European bank) as a Personal Finance Consultant. There I was managing client funds and making their money work better for them in the long and short term, through numerous interest return accounts.

So you’ve had a long history of dealing with clients then?

Yes, and it’s something I enjoy doing. If my clients are happy, so am I – it’s a symbiotic relationship. People think that our jobs are solely about the money – but that is only one side of the coin. It’s really all about the people, whether it’s the clients, your team at work, or your loved ones who you are working this hard for – that’s where the money goes, towards providing people with a better life.

That’s refreshing to hear! So how did you get involved in the rest of the investment industry?

Well, in 2004 the then FSA began its regulation process of all financial institutions starting with the banking sector. It was at this point I took the liberty to learn the regulation process and took an interest into other means of investing and investment growth which at the time was the Forex Markets.

I moved into Forex trading and became an Accounts Manager for a large Forex trading company. I introduced a similar style into the Forex markets as I once did in the banking sector, basically that of Money Management - teaching traders to trade successfully while using risk management strategies to manage the exposure of their capital funds in the market.

How did you end up here at Banc de Binary?

After a successful run at both Banking investment and Forex I decided to look further into a new style of trading the financial markets called Binary Options. At this same time I was approached by Banc De Binary who expressed great interest in me and my abilities.

I have grown with Banc De Binary to become Head of the EU Desk of Account Manager, using my previous lessons and experience of the financial markets to create a safe and comfortable trading experience for my clients.

What have you learned since you became manager of the EU desk? What are your thoughts for the future?

It has been a challenge, but one I was ready for. I love my team and always do my best to create the right kind of dynamics within the group to ensure people are motivated, energetic, and communicate well. A good balance is needed between humour, passion and discipline. I am proud of the fact that we all have mutual respect for each other and that everyone is so hard-working! I hope that in the future we can finally make the impact we are capable of. I love it when the office is buzzing with people on the phone, speaking in different languages! With the diverse experience, background and talent on this team, there is no limit to what we can achieve with the right kind of leads.

Your clients are obviously very important to you. How do you keep them reassured about Binary Options trading in general, especially after all the ups and downs of this past year?

I firmly believe I am in the right sector, and that Binary Options is a market which shall continue to excel and grow for many years to come. I am sure that my faith in this trading instrument comes through in my communication with them – and even if not, the results speak for themselves.

What about the lifestyle that comes with the job?

The job is the lifestyle! No really, it is non-stop and very intense, but if you fit the bill and have the right experience and character to meet the high demands, then you are in the right position. I feel I have found my niche here at Banc De Binary, and that all the personal sacrifices I have made to be here are all worth it.

What kind of sacrifices do you mean?

Well, the long working hours, quick meals on the go, but over the years I have found my balance. I enjoy keeping myself fit and healthy through sports and the gym. I have learnt how to handle the pressure better. Outside of my work, I like to make use of my precious little spare time to spend quality time with my loved ones. I am a family man - at the end of the day, everything I do is for them.

You can contact James Michaels directly at: [email protected]