Lifetime Achievement Award: Don Wilson – Recognized for Excellence

Don Wilson has always had a knack for trading. Back in his teenage years in Zurich, he would stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, eyeing the foreign exchange rates displayed by the city’s banks, searching for potential arbitrage opportunities. While the bid-offer spreads were too broad to act on his findings back then, Wilson’s interest in trading was ignited.

Eventually, his trading journey led him back to Chicago, where he immersed himself in the futures pits at the CME. Wilson found the environment thrilling, reminiscent of the strategic games he enjoyed at home but with a math element that captivated him.

Throughout his career, Wilson not only excelled in trading but also took on a stewardship role for the markets he participated in. He defended and supported these markets, offering help to other traders when needed. Colleagues describe him as strategic, knowledgeable about market structure and trading technology, and a direct communicator.

While some of Wilson’s achievements, like his legal battle with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, are well-known, others fly under the radar. For instance, his firm’s involvement in the improved auction of Lehman Brothers’ futures positions at CME showcased Wilson’s keen eye for enhancing market processes. Additionally, his undisclosed contribution to Nasdaq’s default management process post the Einar Aas incident in 2018 demonstrates Wilson’s behind-the-scenes impact in the trading world.

In essence, Don Wilson is not just a trader; he is an influential figure in the trading community, shaping markets and processes to drive efficiency and success.