"First of all, we are a European bank," - Igor Dombrowan, Managing Director of Saxo Bank Representative Office in Russia

– Hello. Please introduce yourself. How did it happen that you got acquainted with stock trading?

– Igor Dombrovan, CFA, Managing Director of Saxo Bank Russia.

I became acquainted with stock trading back in the 90s, when it first came to our country. The first international market for us at that time was In Russia, practically no one knew about it. We were only trying our hand at e. was and is the largest market in the world with a daily turnover of several trillion dollars. Every day a huge number of professional traders and amateurs take part in trading. At that time, we discovered an uncharted new world.

– Exchange trading is becoming more and more a part of our life - many people know about it or are holders of certain securities. In your opinion, why is speculation popular in Russia and the CIS countries now?

- Although exchange trading in the recent history of our country is only 20 years old, the prospects and horizons that have opened up cannot be underestimated. On the other hand, the welfare of the population, the level of education and financial literacy, and, of course, the level of awareness (largely due to the development of the Internet) are growing. As a result, there is an avalanche-like growth of interest in global financial markets. Especially now, during the crisis, many private investors want to diversify risk, protect their capital as much as possible in the current conditions. For this purpose, investors resort to the services of such professionals in the field of online trading as Saxo Bank, which, in addition to access to the interbank foreign exchange market, provides its clients with direct access to 24 leading exchanges, as well as the opportunity to trade commodities, stocks, bonds, index funds, precious metals, derivatives, contracts for difference.

– Which exchanges are of interest to you and why?

- I'm interested US, European exchangeswhere transparency, liquidity and information support are at the highest level, and where history, investment culture and traditions go back decades.

- What don't you like about the structure of exchange or OTC trading or would you like to change?

- More transparent processes would be a plus. In addition, some statistics on the transactions made by clients: what the trend is, what they sell, and what they prefer to buy. Publication of such information would definitely help not only novice traders, but would also make professionals with experience think about it. Saxo Bank is working in this direction, trying to provide its clients with maximum information. The trading platform itself has a built-in Stock Screener - a unique module that allows detailed analysis of thousands of stocks from 24 stock exchanges using more than 250 criteria. With Stock Screener, a trader can literally "dissect" the market up and down: 5 years of historical data; 3-year forward earnings/loss forecasts; balance sheet, cash flow and operating performance; market capitalization, total debt, value, growth focus, beta, financial risk, operational risk, ownership structure and geographic and divisional profit distribution; analyst recommendations, valuation multiples and stock information.

- In your opinion, can anyone become a trader?

- I don't think anyone. Just as not everyone can become a good painter or baker. Of course, there are no rigid parallels between a player's character and success or failure in online trading. But in order to be a professional trader, one must have certain qualities.

- What qualities should a trader have in order to become a professional?

- This requires a certain mindset, the desire to analyze, the ability to absorb, keep in mind and process large amounts of information, as well as the ability to identify the main thing and discard information noise and not to drown in this flow, but, having organized it, to build a strategy and then implement it. In addition to the above mentioned qualities, a professional trader should have mental stability. Online trading is a constant stressful experience, so Saxo Bank creates the most comfortable conditions for its employees: healthy and tasty meals, comfortable workplaces equipped with the latest technology, and a soft psychological environment.

In addition, a professional trader should certainly follow the trader ethics and be a reliable partner for clients.

- Many people consider trading on the exchange market to be either a frivolous business or a scam. What do you have to say about it?

- People tend to be negative about what they don't understand. A frivolous case? Of course, we don't see how buying and selling financial instruments helps make a car or bake a loaf of bread, but each transaction helps form a fair market price for commodities, currencies, companies, which in turn allows millions of investors to evaluate the strategies chosen by companies and entire nations, to allocate resources fairly. It's a big deal. Cheating? It all comes down to choosing a reliable partner that offers a wide range of instruments at favorable prices and on transparent terms. Saxo Bank is just such a partner for our clients.

- In your opinion, what is the most common mistake traders make?

– A frivolous attitude towards investing. The market is swallowing up amateurs by the thousands. Trading requires very serious preparation and a calibrated strategy. When you arrive in an unfamiliar city in an unfamiliar country, you are unlikely to immediately get into a car and be able to confidently drive from point A to point B. Trading is even more complicated and interesting!

- Why traders should work with your company?

- First of all, we are a European bank. Our terms and conditions are fully transparent, client deposits are insured, we provide only brokerage services, and therefore clients do not bear additional risks. At the same time, we offer access to the widest choice of exchanges and instruments from one professional platform, from one account, analytics of the highest level, service in Russian by the best financial professionals.

- Surely during your time at the Saxo Bank you've had some funny situations with clients. Without naming names, could you share one with us?

- Of course there were, for example, several times customers sent a request for withdrawal from the demo account.

- What advice would you give to newcomers to the exchange?

- First, do not spare time for training: you need to know the markets, instruments, the economic situation in the region and in the world, and upcoming events. Secondly, trade only within the framework of a strategy developed in advance. Thirdly, manage risks. This is not everything, but with these three points you will have a good start.