Former Citi Executive Launches New Prop Firm

Charles Finkelstein, a former Managing Director at Citi with 30 years of experience in institutional trading, has launched Upside Funding, a new proprietary trading firm. The firm distinguishes itself by offering a pathway to salaried employment for successful traders, in addition to traditional profit-sharing.

Upside Funding operates a simulated trading environment for its evaluation process. "After decades in institutional trading, we realized the biggest gap in proprietary trading wasn't just capital - it was guidance," said Finkelstein. "Most firms hand traders money and leave them to figure it out on their own. We do things differently."

The firm provides mentorship opportunities, including one-on-one sessions with Finkelstein, who spent significant time in leadership roles at Citi, including Country Treasurer at Citi Australia and Head of G10 Risk Treasury for the APAC region. "We mentor traders, help them scale their capital, and even provide a path to a full-time salaried role," he added.

According to the company, traders who achieve the highest funded account level may qualify for a full-time position with an annual salary of up to $350,000. Upside Funding Limited, registered in Hong Kong, clarifies that it does not provide brokerage services or handle real client funds during the evaluation phase. "All trading activities conducted through our platform during the evaluation phase take place in a simulated trading environment," the company states on its website.

The firm utilizes the cTrader platform and is supported by regulated broker Purple Trading, offering up to a 90% profit split. The company acknowledges the competitive landscape of the prop trading industry, and it remains to be seen how it will fare in the long term.