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. DayTrading.com Featured in the Media
    Article (Jan 23, 2026)
    Discover the latest media coverage featuring DayTrading.com’s expert insights, market analysis, and commentary from our experienced team.
  2. Data Resources For Journalists
    Article (Jan 23, 2026)
    Explore DayTrading.com's proprietary data and studies into the most relevant topics spanning trading and finance, featuring expert comments.
  3. IG Re-enters The Crypto Trading Market In The UK
    Blog Post (Jan 22, 2026)
    IG has become the first UK-listed broker to offer crypto trading to retail investors in the UK with complete FCA licensing.
  4. Why We Show Some Less Regulated Brokers
    Article (Jan 21, 2026)
    Read DayTrading.com's policy on reviewing and showing less regulated or unlicensed brokers and trading platforms.
  5. Carry Trading Forex Strategy
    Article (Jan 19, 2026)
    Carry Trading forex strategy for day traders. Definition of carry trading, with trading costs, momentum and timing. Plus pitfalls and risks of carry trades.

Latest articles edited by James

  1. Crypto.com
    Broker Review (Jan 23, 2026)
    Use our deep-dive into Crypto.com to see if it's the right platform for you, with every key area evaluated for active crypto traders.
  2. CMC Markets
    Broker Review (Jan 23, 2026)
    CMC Markets review based on first-hand experience. Learn about the platform, pricing and overall user satisfaction from a real trader.
  3. XM
    Broker Review (Jan 23, 2026)
    XM broker review by active and experienced traders, featuring robust testing with pros & cons and safety insights. Discover the real XM.
  4. IG
    Broker Review (Jan 22, 2026)
    IG review based on first-hand trading experience. We rate IG for trust, accounts, markets, fees, platforms, education, research and support.
  5. Best Spread Betting Platforms 2026
    Article (Jan 22, 2026)
    Delve into our selection of the top spread betting platforms - evaluated, compared and tested by our experts.

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