Artur Barreiros, a 63-year-old Mechanical Engineering professor from Portugal, transformed his passion for mathematics and finance into a successful journey in quantitative trading. His story is one of lifelong learning, resilience, and the pursuit of new opportunities in finance and trading.
Introduction
Hi, I'm Artur Barreiros, a 63-year-old Mechanical Engineering professor from Portugal. For over 20 years, I've been deeply fascinated with how mathematics intertwines with finance. During my MBA in Finance, I dove into my first numerical study to evaluate different options models, which sparked a lifelong curiosity about the power of quantitative analysis. Before discovering Python, I was already coding and even dabbled in manual trading. Back then, my algorithms were written in Fortran. Python, though, quickly caught my attention as an essential tool for taking my algo trading skills to the next level.
It was in 2019 that I stumbled upon QuantInsti's EPAT (Executive Programme in Algorithmic Trading). It felt like it was meant to be—a perfect opportunity to combine my passion for mathematics and finance while embracing a modern approach to trading. “I thought, it could be a very good opportunity for me. And because I like mathematics and finance, I decided to make this investment, which has been a turning point in my life.” Looking back, this decision set the course for my transformation from a professor curious about trading to an active participant in the world of quantitative trading.
Taking the Leap with EPAT
Here’s how a step forward became a gateway to a brand new world of trading for me.
Joining EPAT felt like opening a gateway to a whole new world. The live lectures, the outstanding faculty, and the community of like-minded learners made all the difference. I was particularly impressed with the support provided throughout the program. “It was a good investment for me, even though the time difference, I would wake up at 3 am to attend the weekly live lectures. What excited me the most about them was the interaction with the faculty and easy on-the-go doubt-solving sessions. The constant support provided throughout the duration also helped me stay on track.”
This commitment—the early wake-up calls, and the determination to stay engaged despite time zone challenges—was absolutely worth it. EPAT gave me the solid foundation I needed to step confidently into the world of algorithmic trading. “I learned everything from QI.” And with every session, I felt my confidence growing, feeling more ready to make decisions in the trading landscape.
Exploring Further with Quantra
The learning doesn’t stop—discover how new courses became my next step in mastering quantitative trading.
After EPAT, I realized my learning journey was just beginning. To continue deepening my knowledge, I turned to Quantra's library of courses, which opened up new horizons for me. Their regularly updated content meant I could stay on top of the latest trends in the field and go deep into specialised topics at my own pace. “The courses that I took recently are related with topics that are new to me and they are explained very clearly.”
Over the past four years, I have taken over 20 courses on Quantra. It has been a transformative experience. The self-paced format and the ability to revisit courses made all the difference, allowing me to experiment, modify, and apply new knowledge on my own terms. “I find that the courses that I took are very well organised, present relevant information on the subject, and, in fact, you can make your changes, and it allows you to implement things in your way. For me, these courses provide the starting points—a point from which you can do your own work.”
Being part of EPAT had made navigating Quantra's courses even easier. I learned how to make the most of each course by taking notes, tweaking the Python codes, and engaging in the community forum when needed. “On Quantra, I generally go through the course recordings sequentially and then download python codes and tweak them to practice on my own computer.” This kind of hands-on practice was essential for me, and I really appreciate Quantra allowing learners to retake courses multiple times—it has been incredibly helpful for brushing up on key concepts.
A New Approach to Algo Trading
From a curious professor to a confident algo trader—here’s how my approach to trading has evolved.
Looking back, I can see just how far I have come. “Today, there is a huge difference in the way I approach algo strategies. I think I’m more knowledgeable, and more prepared to make decisions and understand things than before. So, that's the real deal for me!”
The journey from a professor with a passion for finance to a confident algo trader has been remarkable. The biggest progress I've made in Algorithmic Trading has happened in the last few years, almost entirely thanks to EPAT and Quantra. They have truly been a gold mine for people like me—people who want to dive deep into algo trading rather than just dip their toes in. “With certainty, I can say my approach to trading has dramatically shifted, and I owe that to these incredible learning experiences.”
For anyone who has ever thought about learning algo trading, I'd say—take the leap. The transformation you experience might just be the turning point in your life, just as it was in mine.
Learn More about Artur’s Publications Here →
https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/homepage/ist12945
https://scholar.google.pt/citations?user=j83lWsQAAAAJ&hl=pt-PT
Next Step
Do you aspire to learn Algorithmic Trading? Do you want to start trading on your own? Do you wish to enhance your existing skill set? Then you have the opportunity to learn various aspects of Algorithmic trading with the Executive Programme in Algorithmic Trading (EPAT)!
EPAT equips you with the required skill sets to be a successful trader. It covers training modules like Statistics & Econometrics, Financial Computing & Technology, and Algorithmic & Quantitative Trading. Enroll now to begin your career in Algorithmic Trading.
Disclaimer: In order to assist individuals who are considering pursuing a career in algorithmic and quantitative trading, this case study has been collated based on the personal experiences of a student or alumni from QuantInsti’s EPAT® programme. Case studies are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be used for investment purposes. The results achieved post completion of the EPAT® programme may not be uniform for all individuals.
