Brad Katsuyama, the co-founder of IEX and a key figure in Michael Lewis’s Flash Boys, is known for his sharp insights on finance, fairness, and innovation. His quotes cut through the noise, offering wisdom for traders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who values integrity in business. Here’s a collection of his best quotes, packed with actionable lessons.
Brad Katsuyama on Market Fairness
Brad believes the financial system should work for everyone, not just the privileged few.
🔹 “The market should be a level playing field. If it’s not, we’ve failed.”
🔹 “Speed shouldn’t be the only advantage. Fairness matters more.”
🔹 “When people lose trust in markets, everyone loses.”
Think about it: Would you play a game if the rules kept changing for a select few?
Brad Katsuyama on Innovation
He didn’t just complain about unfair markets—he built a solution.
🔹 “Innovation isn’t about being first. It’s about being right.”
🔹 “If you see a problem, fix it. Don’t wait for permission.”
🔹 “Technology should make markets better, not just faster.”
IEX, his stock exchange, was born from this mindset. It’s proof that challenging the status quo pays off.
Brad Katsuyama on Leadership
Great leaders don’t just give orders—they inspire action.
🔹 “Leadership means doing what’s right, even when it’s hard.”
🔹 “If your team doesn’t trust you, you’re not leading—you’re just talking.”
🔹 “The best ideas often come from the quietest people. Listen to them.”
Notice how he focuses on trust? Without it, even the smartest strategy falls apart.
Brad Katsuyama on Integrity
For Brad, ethics aren’t optional—they’re the foundation.
🔹 “Shortcuts might get you ahead today, but they’ll ruin you tomorrow.”
🔹 “If you wouldn’t say it publicly, don’t say it privately.”
🔹 “Reputation is built slowly and lost quickly. Guard it.”
Ever seen a company cut corners? How did that work out long-term?
Brad Katsuyama on Persistence
Change doesn’t happen overnight. Brad knows this better than anyone.
🔹 “Persistence beats talent when talent gives up.”
🔹 “Every ‘no’ gets you closer to a ‘yes.’ Keep going.”
🔹 “The biggest barriers are mental. Break them first.”
IEX faced fierce opposition. But Brad kept pushing—and won.
Brad Katsuyama on Teamwork
No one succeeds alone. Brad credits his team for IEX’s success.
🔹 “A great team turns ‘impossible’ into ‘we did it.’”
🔹 “Hire people smarter than you. Then get out of their way.”
🔹 “Diversity isn’t a buzzword. It’s how you solve tough problems.”
Think about your own team. Are you empowering them or micromanaging?
Brad Katsuyama on Risk
Taking risks is part of progress, but smart risks matter.
🔹 “Risk isn’t about gambling. It’s about calculated moves.”
🔹 “If you’re not failing sometimes, you’re not trying hard enough.”
🔹 “Fear stops more people than failure ever will.”
What’s one risk you’ve been avoiding? Why?
Brad Katsuyama on Success
For Brad, success isn’t just about money—it’s about impact.
🔹 “Success without purpose is empty.”
🔹 “Measure success by how many people you help, not how much you earn.”
🔹 “Legacy isn’t what you leave behind. It’s what you build in others.”
Would you rather be rich or remembered?
Final Thoughts
Brad Katsuyama’s quotes aren’t just words—they’re a playbook for principled success. Whether you’re in finance or running a startup, his lessons on fairness, persistence, and integrity are timeless.
📌 Key takeaways:
1️⃣ Fairness wins long-term.
2️⃣ Innovation solves problems, not just creates them.
3️⃣ Trust is your most valuable currency.
Which quote resonates most with you? Drop it in the comments! 🚀
