Graham, a trader with over seven years of experience, recently achieved a significant milestone by passing the City Traders Imperium (CTI) evaluation. After earning his 70k funded account, Graham reflects on his trading journey, his evolution as a trader, and how the CTI program transformed his approach. https://youtu.be/oqTKhAT1usA
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | CTI Evaluation |
| Result | PASSED ✅ |
| Account Size | $70,000 |
| Experience | 7+ years |
| Drawdown | 2.84% |
| Win Rate | 46% |
| Risk-to-Reward | 1:2+ realized; targets 1:5 to 1:10 |
| Asset Focus | AUD/JPY and EUR/CHF |
| Avg Holding Time | Up to 3 weeks |
| Strategy | Symmetrical Triangle Theory (STT) |
| Validation | ✅ Validated by CTI Risk Team |
The Turning Point: Switching to Higher Time Frames
Like many traders starting out, Graham initially focused on smaller time frames, which often led to overtrading and impulsive decisions. “I stepped back from the smaller time frames and concentrated more on the four-hour time frames. The more time I spent at the PC, the more money I would lose,” he recalls.
Through the Symmetrical Triangle Theory (STT) program at CTI, Graham learned the importance of patience. Trading on higher time frames meant he didn’t have to sit at his desk all day, which ultimately helped him avoid unnecessary losses. “STT doesn’t finish overnight. Some trades can take up to three weeks, which taught me the discipline I lacked in the past.”
Finding the Right Strategy: A Game-Changer
Before discovering the STT strategy, Graham experimented with several approaches. But it was the structured, mechanical rules of STT that finally helped him find consistency. He highlights the shift that came from following STT’s strict entry and exit criteria. “In the past, I’d stretch stop losses, hoping the market would turn around. With STT, I learned to respect the stop loss and wait for better opportunities.
Graham’s biggest wins came from sticking to the STT process. He recalls, “I traded the Aussie Yen and Euro Swiss, and these pairs, though not very volatile, offered clear setups on the four-hour chart. The smaller STT within the larger ones gave me the confidence to target larger profits.
Adapting the STT System to Fit His Style
Though STT provided Graham with the foundational rules, he tailored the strategy to suit his personality and risk tolerance. “I wasn’t good at holding trades in the past. But with STT, I learned to manage trades for longer periods, which improved my discipline and performance.”
Lessons from the Journey: Discipline and Focus
Graham’s transformation as a trader didn’t happen overnight. He emphasizes that patience and discipline are key. “STT taught me to stay disciplined and not chase every trade. Less is more. Before, I was all over the place with different strategies. Now, I stick to a few pairs and focus on quality setups.”
He attributes his success to the process-oriented mindset fostered by the CTI community and the mentors at CTI. “Daniel Martin’s mentorship was pivotal. His emphasis on psychology and risk management made a huge difference in my approach to trading.”
Advice for Aspiring Traders
When asked what advice he would give to aspiring traders, Graham is clear: “It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. Patience is everything. If you’re struggling with lower time frames, consider moving up to higher ones. Find a solid system like STT, stick to it, and focus on process, not outcome.”
He also highlights the flexibility of the CTI evaluation. “With the 12-month evaluation period, there’s no pressure. You can take your time to refine your strategy without rushing into trades.”
Conclusion
Graham’s journey demonstrates that success in trading is not about chasing quick wins but about mastering discipline, patience, and a structured approach. His story is a testament to the power of staying committed to a process and finding a system that aligns with your personality.
