Prop trading continues to develop as firms look to improve
trader performance, adopt new technologies, and adapt to changing regional
dynamics. At iFX EXPO International 2025, Finance Magnates’ Jeff Patterson
interviewed Andres Jimenez, Co-Founder and COO of Swiset, about the firm’s recent
moves in the proprietary trading space.

The conversation covered Swiset’s technology acquisition ,
the growing impact of futures and algorithmic trading, and the persistence of
traders in Latin America.

Technology Acquisition and Shift in Focus

Swiset made a key strategic move in early 2024 by acquiring
proprietary trading technology. According to Jimenez, this marked a change from
focusing on dashboards and CRM tools to supporting the end users—traders.

“The basic is the end users—the traders. What are they
doing? How are they trading? Are we giving them the right tools to trade
better?” Jimenez said.

Swiset now prioritizes analytics powered by AI, aiming to
support trader development rather than just increasing user numbers. Jimenez
said many in the industry focus too much on acquiring new customers and not
enough on helping traders improve.

Algorithmic Trading and Evaluation Challenges

Jimenez raised concerns about the rise of algorithmic
strategies in the prop trading world. He noted that while some algos are
designed to help traders succeed, others manipulate evaluation processes.

“Some algos help traders pass challenges, others exploit
prop firms. Neither is good for traders or the industry,” he said.

He also addressed the trend in Latin America of using
short-term algorithms to pass challenges that do not hold up in live trading.

“You pass the challenge, then lose the account. That’s not
the idea—algos should improve traders, not ruin careers.”

You may find it interesting at FinanceMagnates.com: “Top
Traders Master One Instrument”: Lessons from BK Trader’s Co-Founder.

Latin America’s Trader Mindset

Despite a global failure rate of around 80% in prop trading
challenges, Jimenez said Latin American traders continue to try. He connected
this persistence to both economic limitations and cultural determination.

“In Latam, you don’t deposit $5,000 easily. Someone might
try a $100 challenge three times—but they won’t give up.”

He observed that many traders eventually move on to deposit
directly with brokers after several challenge attempts, motivated by the
potential of larger profits.

Differences Between Brokers and Prop Firms

Jimenez said brokers offer strong execution capabilities but
often lack tools that help traders grow, such as journals and analytics. He
positioned Swiset as a firm helping to close this gap.

On brokers entering the prop trading space and vice versa,
he stressed the need for effective risk management . He believes AI can play a
role in identifying committed traders.

“AI can help props filter serious traders from those just
chasing payouts.”

Caution on Gamification

Jimenez also took part in a panel on gamification. He
expressed concerns about applying the concept without considering the business
model and target audience.

“A prop targeting leaderboard-driven traders attracts a
different crowd than one offering $1M funding. Align your strategy with your
goals.”

He compared competitive dynamics in institutional trading to
gamified environments in retail but warned against going too far. “Over-gamification
risks attracting the wrong traders.”

Final Remarks on Strategy

Jimenez ended the conversation by emphasizing that strategy
must guide every part of the business.

“It’s not just marketing or tech—align everything. The
strategy is the brand, and the brand is the strategy.”