About Me
My name is Mario John Kelly, and I have been active in the financial markets for over 30 years. My journey has taken me through multiple layers of the industry—from early-stage retail trading to institutional market making and regulated fund management. Today, I bring this depth of experience to Mario J Kelly Consulting, offering a bespoke, independent advisory service built on real-world market knowledge.
Early Trading Foundations
I began my trading career using the Financial Times options pages as a practical indicator for pricing opportunities. From there, I executed early trades in FTSE-listed stocks using calls and puts, learning the dynamics of risk, timing, and market sentiment hands-on. These early experiences laid the foundation for my understanding of how markets truly behave, beyond theory and textbooks.
Banking and Market-Making Experience
After years of working in the back office of major financial institutions, I transitioned to a forex boutique, where I worked as a night trader responsible for Asian market exposure. This role sharpened my understanding of global liquidity flows and overnight risk management.
I later joined a small financial trading firm, CMC, which has since grown into a major global market maker. During my time there, I contributed to the development of trading systems used to manage and offset counterparty risk. I was also involved during the early development of internet-based trading infrastructure—many of the systems and principles developed during that era remain foundational in today’s markets.
Building a Regulated Financial Firm
In 1998, I founded Wallwood Consultants Ltd, which became regulated by both the FCA in the UK and the NFA in the United States. The firm provided advisory services and fund management across retail, corporate, and family office clients, consistently delivering positive returns until 2010.
Later, the company evolved into a regulated umbrella structure, supporting various agents trading forex, equities, and commodities. This phase provided extensive insight into both regulatory frameworks and multi-asset trading operations at scale.
Independent Consultancy Today
In 2019, I stepped down as a director and sold the company. This marked the beginning of a new chapter focused on independent consultancy. With decades of experience as both a trader and a market maker, I now offer a bespoke consulting service designed to help clients navigate modern financial markets with clarity, discipline, and practical insight. My approach is simple: no generic systems, no conflicted interests—just direct, experience-driven guidance tailored to each client’s needs.