Jonathan Bouchard is a Canadian trader and entrepreneur who carved his path in financial markets without relying on the traditional academic route. At 17, he began trading and quickly gained recognition for his precision and profitability. His reputation as an exceptional strategist earned him the nickname “Home Run,” following a 15x return during the COVID-19 crisis. Over time, he became a trusted figure, managing multi-million-dollar portfolios and building influential communities in Quebec’s trading world.
Born in New Brunswick and raised in Montreal, Jonathan chose a road less traveled compared to most peers pursuing higher education. Instead, he immersed himself in currencies, absorbing lessons through observation, trial, and hands-on execution. By the age of 18, his skills had caught the attention of Montreal Trading Group, where he was entrusted with discretionary control over $5 million in capital. There, he refined advanced strategies, leveraging dark pools, ECNs, and pair trading to optimize performance.
Jonathan’s tenure at Montreal Trading Group marked a period of disciplined development. He designed quantitative models, conducted rigorous backtests, and pursued positive expectancy as his core principle. His efforts resulted in two of the firm’s most profitable strategies, demonstrating that his methods could scale under institutional scrutiny. This early success set the stage for his transition into the banking world, where he sought to expand his expertise while managing high-net-worth clients in a more traditional environment.
In 2019, Jonathan joined BMO Financial Group as a stockbroker, quickly distinguishing himself for his innovative use of derivatives and complex option structures, such as butterfly spreads and iron condors. Within months, he set a record by closing $129 million in sales during a single quarter, a milestone that surpassed even those of seasoned brokers. This level of performance equated to an average of $300,000 in revenue per hour, cementing his ranking among the top three stockbrokers nationwide.
The COVID-19 pandemic became a pivotal chapter in Jonathan’s career. While many retreated into conservative strategies, he identified an opportunity in the disruption of mergers and acquisitions. By using derivatives to short vulnerable deals, he produced a staggering 15-fold return. This calculated risk not only amplified his reputation but also established his enduring nickname, “Home Run Jonathan,” a title that reflected both his boldness and precision in volatile markets.
Building on institutional achievements, Jonathan shifted focus to entrepreneurship and education. In 2024, he launched The Trading Floor, a project designed to reshape trader development across Quebec. The initiative evolved into one of the province’s largest communities, serving over 1,000 students. With a physical trading floor accommodating up to 70 participants, the space fosters collaboration, mentorship, and skill development, offering a unique bridge between classroom learning and live market experience.
Jonathan’s philosophy emphasizes practicality over theory, urging students to master discipline, risk control, and emotional resilience. Many of his mentees have gone on to achieve incomes of over $40,000 per month, demonstrating the real-world effectiveness of his methods. His contributions extend beyond instruction—he has built platforms that empower traders to connect, innovate, and sustain long-term success in competitive markets.
Although Jo Bouchard did not attend university, he acquired key certifications through the Canadian Securities Institute, including the Canadian Securities Course and the Conduct and Practices Handbook qualification, in 2019. These credentials allowed him to operate seamlessly in regulated financial environments while retaining his entrepreneurial independence. His recognition includes awards such as “Trader of the Month” and “Employee of the Quarter,” highlighting his consistent excellence and relentless drive for growth.
