Thomas Peterffy Quotes

Powerful Thomas Peterffy for Daily Growth

About Thomas Peterffy

Thomas Peterffy, born on February 17, 1946, in Budapest, Hungary, is an American entrepreneur, inventor, and philanthropist best known as the founder of Interactive Broker Group (IBKR), one of the largest electronic brokerages globally. Peterffy fled his native country during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, seeking refuge in Austria before eventually immigrating to the United States. He settled in New York City and attended City College of New York, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. After starting his career as an engineer at IBM, Peterffy's interest in finance led him to work on trading systems for firms like Merrill Lynch and Shearson Lehman Brothers. Dissatisfied with the traditional brokerage model, he envisioned a more efficient system that could offer clients lower costs and better execution quality. In 1977, Peterffy founded the first automated trading firm, GO (for 'Grace, Otto,' his parents' names) Associates, which later evolved into Interactive Brokers Group. The company revolutionized the industry by offering commission-free trades to institutional clients, a concept that was groundbreaking at the time. Throughout his career, Peterffy has been recognized for his contributions to finance and technology. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and has received numerous awards, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor and the Global Finance Magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to his business pursuits, Peterffy is an active philanthropist, supporting various causes, including education, health care, and disaster relief. He serves on the board of directors for several organizations, including the New York City Ballet and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Thomas Peterffy's legacy lies not only in his groundbreaking innovations but also in the ethical standards he has upheld throughout his career, setting an example for integrity and ingenuity in the financial industry.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is not counting how much money you make, but having the freedom to do what you want."

Thomas Peterffy's quote emphasizes that success extends beyond mere financial wealth; it involves the ability to have control over one's time and choices, symbolized by "freedom to do what you want." In other words, true success is achieved when an individual has gained enough monetary resources to live their life according to their personal desires and aspirations. This quote underscores that financial independence can open doors to new experiences and opportunities, making it a crucial component of success in a broader sense.


"In life, as in trading, it's more important to be smart than to act quickly."

This quote emphasizes the importance of intelligence and strategic thinking over hasty actions, especially in two distinct yet interrelated domains - life and trading. It suggests that making thoughtful, informed decisions is crucial for success, rather than relying on impulsive or hastily made choices. In essence, it highlights the value of a deliberate, intelligent approach to navigating the complexities of both life and financial markets.


"When a market is in a strong trend, you should follow the trend and when the market is range-bound, you should not fight it."

This quote emphasizes the importance of understanding and adhering to market trends. When a market is experiencing a strong upward or downward trend, it suggests that the majority of participants are aligned in one direction. Following the trend in such instances means buying when the market is going up (bullish) and selling when it's going down (bearish). On the other hand, when the market is range-bound, meaning prices fluctuate within a specific band, it suggests that there is no clear directional bias, and attempting to "fight" or predict the next move may lead to unnecessary risk and potentially unfavorable outcomes. Therefore, in range-bound markets, it's often advisable to adopt a more conservative approach or wait for clearer signals before making trades.


"You can have a very successful business and still lose money if you don't manage your risk properly."

This quote by Thomas Peterffy emphasizes that even a profitable business can ultimately fail if it doesn't effectively manage its risks. In other words, earning money is only one aspect of success; understanding and controlling potential threats to the business is equally important. Proper risk management ensures the sustainability and longevity of any venture.


"The most important part of trading is not to be afraid to admit that you are wrong and get out of a position quickly when you are."

This quote by Thomas Peterffy emphasizes the importance of humility and adaptability in trading, two key qualities for any successful trader or investor. By acknowledging one's mistakes promptly, a trader can minimize losses and prevent a small error from escalating into a significant one. It highlights the importance of disciplined exit strategies to cut losses when necessary, rather than stubbornly holding on to losing positions out of pride or fear.


I had an extremely boring time doing 20 to 30 trades a day while everyone was talking about baseball or basketball. So I stood there fantasizing about a device that could do the same thing I was doing.

- Thomas Peterffy

Doing, Everyone, Same Thing, Trades

Never bend the rules. You bend the rules a little bit and then it's a slippery slope.

- Thomas Peterffy

Never, Bend, Slippery Slope, Slope

Yes, in socialism the rich will be poorer - but the poor will also be poorer. People will lose interest in really working hard and creating jobs.

- Thomas Peterffy

Will, Yes, Poorer, Working Hard

I see no point in exchanging something that I understand, know, love and think will have a great future for something else that I know much less about.

- Thomas Peterffy

Love, Think, Will, No Point

I grew up in a socialist country. And I have seen what that does to people. There is no hope, no freedom. No pride in achievement.

- Thomas Peterffy

Hope, Country, Socialist, No Hope

My charitable donations go to educational efforts, such as Teach for America, Vanderbilt University, Berkshire School.

- Thomas Peterffy

Educational, Donations, Charitable

America's wealth comes from the efforts of people striving for success. Take away their incentive with badmouthing success and you take away the wealth that helps us take care of the needy.

- Thomas Peterffy

Wealth, Striving, Away, Incentive

The rich support the poor primarily via taxes.

- Thomas Peterffy

Rich, Poor, Taxes, Via

I paid $1.9 billion in taxes in my lifetime.

- Thomas Peterffy

Lifetime, Taxes, Paid, Billion

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