James Barra

James Barra

James is an experienced investment writer with a background in financial services. He was formerly a management consultant in the banking and capital markets sector where he worked with some of the UK and Europe’s largest banks.

James aims to help everyday investors find reliable, affordable platforms with trading conditions that match with user’s needs. He takes an analytical approach to evaluating online brokers, having reviewed over 200 trading platforms and investment apps, recorded more than 50,000 data points on brokerages, and placed hundreds of test trades over nearly 10 years.

James contributes to a number of websites in the investing niche and has been quoted in respected media outlets like Business Insider.

He has a degree in Law and a certificate in Business Accounting from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

You can reach James Barra on james.barra@daytrading.com.

Latest articles written by James

  1. Best Day Trading Software
    Article (Feb 19, 2026)
    Top day trading software [year] comparison with tutorials and reviews. We list the best free softwares for day trading with pros and cons.
  2. Commodity Forwards
    Article (Feb 19, 2026)
    Commodity Forwards - Defined And Explained For Traders. What is a commodity forward? How can they be traded, and on which assets?
  3. Best CFD Trading Platforms and Brokers in Singapore 2026
    Article (Feb 18, 2026)
    Discover the best CFD trading platforms for investors in Singapore. We evaluate, rate and compare the top CFD brokers in Singapore.
  4. Fibonacci Forex Trading
    Article (Feb 18, 2026)
    Fibonacci forex trading guide. Can you successfully trade forex based on Fibonacci numbers? Learn more about it here.
  5. 24-Hour Trading
    Article (Feb 17, 2026)
    24-hour trading is available on popular markets, including cryptos & forex. Our beginner-friendly tutorial explores 24h trading.

Latest articles edited by James

  1. Information Geometry in Finance, Markets & Trading
    Blog Post (Feb 21, 2026)
    Let´s look at information geometry & its value in finance and quantitative trading, plus statistical manifolds and modeling.
  2. Currency Risk Premia
    Blog Post (Feb 21, 2026)
    We look at what influences currency risk premia. How to find currency risk premia. How to think of currency diversification. Political risks.
  3. Fast Fourier Transform Pricing (Applications & Coding Example)
    Blog Post (Feb 21, 2026)
    We look at the basics of Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) pricing, applications, advantages, and limitations. Plus a FFT coding example.
  4. Rough Volatility & Bergomi Model (Applications & Coding Example)
    Blog Post (Feb 21, 2026)
    We look at the advantages of rough volatility, the Bergomi model (key features, applications), and more. Plus a coding example.
  5. Hidden Markov Models in Finance, Markets & Trading
    Blog Post (Feb 21, 2026)
    Hidden Markov Models - We discuss the core components, operational dynamics, application to financial markets, and limitations.

James Barra on social media