Strong Source Episode 20 with Fausto Filice
Feb 28, 2025
Fausto Filice, a veteran commodities trader with over 30 years at Cargill and Bunge, discusses the dynamic evolution of global grain markets. He delves into the transition from traditional deal-making to data-driven strategies, emphasizing the lasting importance of fundamentals. Fausto shares insights on effective leadership, the impact of technology on trading, and the critical role of teamwork. He also reflects on managing risk, navigating market volatility, and the personal qualities that contribute to trading success.
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From Subsidies To Fragmented Global Markets
- Fausto Filice explains grains moved from subsidized, centralized deal-making to fragmented, free markets after the Soviet collapse and EU reforms.
- This shift made origins more numerous and trading more competitive and transparent.
Early Training In Italy Shaped His Career
- Fausto recounts being hired by Cargill in 1985 and transferred to Geneva in 1987 after training in Italy.
- His early work importing soybean meal into Italy taught him practical trading fundamentals across logistics and finance.
Leading A Global Freight Book
- Fausto describes building a 13 million ton custom freight book as corn desk head and leading a global virtual team.
- He credits empathy and teamwork for aligning origins and destinations into a cohesive supply chain.
