AmplifyME is a financial training and technology company providing simulation-based programs that reshape how young people enter the industry. Founded by former traders William de Lucy and Piers Curran, the company was built on the belief that education was not preparing students for the realities of finance. To close this gap, they designed immersive simulations that mirror the dynamic setting of trading floors and investment desks. Since then, AmplifyME has worked with top universities and global financial institutions, helping more than 150,000 students build skills, confidence, and connections that lead directly to career opportunities.

From Trading Floors to Classrooms

William recalled his own transition from student to trader and the difficulties he and his peers faced. “We knew the theory, but stepping onto a trading floor was like walking into another world. The learning curve was brutal,” he said. Rather than accept that this was simply part of the industry, he and Piers Curran asked a simple question: what if students could experience these challenges before being thrown into them for real?

The answer became AmplifyME’s foundation. The company built a suite of simulations that mimic real market conditions, requiring participants to respond to news, manage risk, and make decisions under pressure. These sessions do not just teach technical skills. They reveal how students think, react, and adapt—qualities employers value but rarely see during traditional recruitment.

Levelling the Playing Field

One of AmplifyME’s most important goals is to ensure that access to financial careers is not determined by background. William explained that the industry has long been criticised for favouring connections and pedigree over raw ability. “We wanted to prove that with the right preparation, anyone with the talent and drive could compete,” he said.

Through partnerships with universities across the UK, Europe, Asia, and the US, AmplifyME provides students from all walks of life with opportunities to showcase their potential directly to top employers. The simulations serve as both training and a recruitment tool, helping firms identify individuals based on how they perform in real scenarios rather than what is written on a CV.

Building Confidence as Well as Skills

For many students, the world of finance feels intimidating. William noted that confidence can be just as critical as competence. “When someone walks into an interview having already managed simulated portfolios, made decisions in volatile markets, and handled the pressure, they carry themselves differently,” he explained. The experience breaks down barriers of self-doubt, replacing them with assurance that they can operate at a high level.

This boost has proven transformative. Students who once doubted their chances of entering investment banking or asset management leave AmplifyME’s programs not only with technical ability but also with the belief that they belong in those spaces.

Partnerships with Employers

AmplifyME has also found strong support from financial firms themselves. The simulations allow companies to see how prospective employees would react on the job. Instead of relying on abstract tests or generic interviews, recruiters can watch candidates in action.

“The firms love it because they can identify individuals who might not shine on paper but perform brilliantly under pressure,” William shared. This approach has led to countless success stories where students from non-traditional backgrounds secured positions in leading global institutions.

A Mission That Keeps Evolving

While AmplifyME has grown rapidly, William emphasised that the mission has not changed. “We still see ourselves as educators first. We are here to help students succeed, whether that is in finance or any other career where decision-making, resilience, and problem-solving are valued.”

The company continues to refine its technology, integrating new data and expanding into areas beyond trading, such as asset management, sales, and even roles in consulting. The adaptability of the platform allows AmplifyME to stay relevant as the financial industry evolves.

The Human Side of Finance

At its core, AmplifyME is about more than technical skills. William is quick to highlight the human element. “Finance is often seen as numbers and screens, but really, it is about people making decisions in uncertain situations,” he said. By recreating those moments, the company not only teaches finance but also develops judgment, communication, and teamwork—skills that remain valuable in any career.

What’s Next for AmplifyME

Asked about the future, William spoke with optimism. He envisions AmplifyME expanding further into new markets and disciplines while continuing to challenge the status quo of financial education and recruitment. “We want to be the bridge between talent and opportunity,” he said. “And we will keep pushing until merit truly outweighs background.”

With each student who gains a role because of AmplifyME’s training, the company moves closer to that vision.

William de Lucy, Co-Founder & CEO, AmplifyME