[Book Review] The Systematic Trader by Collin Seow

We interviewed Collin Seow back in 2012 (read it here) and he was featured together with other traders in the book – “Secrets of Highly Profitable Traders”

Since then, Collin has continued to establish himself as a prominent figure in Singapore’s financial community, running an acclaimed training program called the Systematic Trader Program (SMT®). This program has trained over 6,500 students and earned recognition as one of the top-rated investment courses on platforms like Seedly.

He’s got the credentials too – a Chartered Portfolio Manager and Certified Financial Technician – but he doesn’t seem to rely on those titles to prove his worth.

In 2022, Collin released the second edition of his book, The Systematic Trader: How I Turned a $250,000 Debt into Profits Through Stock Trading, further sharing his proven strategies and trading philosophies with a broader audience.

What Can You Expect from The Systematic Trader Book?

This whole book essentially condenses his whole trading knowledge and experience. It is divided into 4 distinct sections:

1. Collin’s Life Story and Mindset
2. Trading Strategies: Building your Arsenal
3. Mastering Mindset and Risk: The Real Challenge
4. Exploring New Horizons: Bonus Chapters

I believe most people will head straight to Section 2—it’s the most exciting part, packed with Collin’s practical strategies that you can start using right away.

However, after reading the entire book, I found myself most captivated by the first section, where Collin shares his personal journey and the mindset that shapes his approach to trading.

Section 1: Collin’s Life Story and Mindset.

Imagine being $250,000 in debt, with everything seemingly stacked against you.

This isn’t your typical trading origin story—Yet, what makes his journey so relatable is how deeply it mirrors the struggles many of us face—the sleepless nights and emotional rollercoaster familiar to anyone who’s faced losses in the market.

One concept that stood out to me was his idea of stewardship—treating money with responsibility and ownership, rather than chasing profits. It was a perspective I hadn’t encountered before, and it fundamentally shifted the way I think about money and success.

The takeaway is that you’ll realise that successful trading is 80% mentality and 20% strategy.

Section 2: Trading Strategies: Building your Arsenal

This section is the powerhouse of the book—Collin’s proprietary trading strategies that have helped many traders achieve profitability.

He introduces TradersGPS, a system that takes the guesswork out of trading by generating clear buy and sell signals. Leveraging indicators like the Cumulation of Momentum (COM) and Trend Impulse Factor (TIF), the system encourages a mechanical, emotion-free approach to trading.

Collin also covers swing trading setups based on straightforward tools like simple moving averages and the Commodity Channel Index (CCI), making these strategies approachable for traders of all levels.

For those with limited time to track markets daily, position trading strategies such as the K39 (Stochastic 39) method, which uses weekly charts, offer an ideal solution.

Additionally, Collin explores alternative strategies like NR7 and NR4 + ID, designed to capitalize on short-term market movements and unlock opportunities for explosive gains.

To find out in detail about these strategies, including the exact blueprint and parameters, make sure to get a copy of The Systematic Trader.

Section 3: Fighting the Inner War

While having a robust strategy is crucial, Collin emphasises that mindset and risk management are the true pillars of sustainable trading success – and I couldn’t agree more.

He shares some of the practical things that you can do to improve your trading psychology: including insights into the precession effect, stewardship mentality, and understanding human nature. You get real scenarios and specific solutions that you can apply to your own trading immediately.

Collin also stresses the importance of discovering your unique trading personality. Whether you identify as an investor, gambler, hobbyist, or scalper, understanding your natural tendencies can help you tailor a strategy that aligns with your strengths and minimizes your weaknesses.

Another highlight of this section is Collin’s guidance on position sizing and risk management. He explains how to limit risk effectively through methods like fixed dollar amounts, percentages of capital, or metrics such as the Average True Range (ATR). These strategies are presented in a straightforward, step-by-step manner, making them accessible even if you’re new to trading.

Section 4: Exploring New Horizons: Bonus Chapters

The final section of the book are Bonus chapters and introduces readers to additional asset classes and strategies. Contributions from well-known guest authors like Royston Tan and Chris Long shed light on Options and Cryptocurrency trading, respectively. While these chapters are introductory, they provide a solid starting point for readers interested in exploring these areas further.

Why Should You Read This Book?

In short, The Systematic Trader is an invaluable resource for anyone serious about advancing their trading skills and understanding. Collin knows his stuffs and has distilled his comprehensive knowledge into this book, making it an essential read for both novice and seasoned traders alike.

For beginners, the book provides an accessible yet thorough foundation in trading. It introduces key concepts like practical strategies, effective risk management techniques, and the critical role of psychology in investment decisions. With clear explanations and actionable insights, newcomers will gain the confidence to navigate the complexities of the market and take their first steps toward building a sustainable trading approach.

For experienced traders, The Systematic Trader serves as a treasure trove of advanced strategies and tools. Collin’s proprietary methods, including trend-following systems and techniques for capturing market volatility, offer fresh perspectives that even seasoned professionals can integrate into their repertoire. His focus on refining decision-making processes and improving trading discipline ensures that experienced traders can sharpen their edge in the market.

What truly sets this book apart is its commitment to realism and practicality. Unlike many that promise overnight success or oversimplify the challenges of the market, The Systematic Trader emphasizes the importance of discipline, patience, and consistency. It lays out a structured framework for long-term profitability, acknowledging that success in trading requires sustained effort and continuous learning.

By sharing both his struggles and triumphs, Collin offers a relatable and inspiring narrative that resonates with traders of all levels. The Systematic Trader doesn’t just teach you how to trade—it equips you with the mindset and tools to become a disciplined, confident, and consistently profitable trader.

Get your copy of The Systematic Trader.