In today's increasingly sophisticated digital education arena, certain visionary companies have been recognized for their notable achievements. In August 2022, Irvine, California-based Online Trading Academy earned Gold and Silver Stevie Awards for its innovative Stratos educational technology. The company received these coveted honors during The 19th Annual International Business Awards® competition.

Specifically, Online Trading Academy earned a Gold Stevie® Award in the Learning Capacity-Building Solution category. The company also garnered a Silver Stevie® Award in the Emerging Technology category. Online Trading Academy won in both categories for its Stratos Skill-Building Education and Product Innovation technology.

The International Business Awards® have become the gold standard for business recognition. In 2022, this global business awards competition received over 3,700 nominations from 67 nations and territories.

Individual entrepreneurs, along with public and private for-profit and non-profit groups, were eligible for International Business Awards® nominations. The nominees represented businesses in a wide range of industries.

From June through July 2022, over 300 global business executives participated in the Stevie Award judging process. The judges' average scores determined the winners in multiple categories. Following these objective evaluations, Online Trading Academy was named the recipient of two Stevie Awards.

Online Trading Academy's Stratos financial education technology received an enthusiastic reception from The International Business Awards® judges. The user-friendly Stratos software is the common thread woven throughout Online Trading Academy's suite of quality course offerings.

The International Business Awards® judges were very specific in their endorsement of Stratos' advantages. "The "OTA [or Online Trading Academy] provided sufficient claims, proof, and testimonials that exhibit the value Stratos ─ their new technology in the guided learning space ─ brings to new and learning traders.

"Guided learning/video is a space that is underutilized in the business technology space. [The] fact that Stratos can be used outside of this platform as well is quite substantial. Overall, I believe OTA is going to move the needle forward in guided learning with its offering. [I] found their submission to have all required details to help explain the value prop of their offering and why it excels," the judge concludes.

Hands-on instruction is key to success in many diverse disciplines. To pilot a plane, operate woodworking equipment, or create fine jewelry, engaging with the tools of the craft is necessary. In the absence of real-world practice, watching videos and/or reading books won't produce those "aha!" moments that signal significant breakthroughs.

Putting it into perspective, Online Trading Academy believes students will benefit from hands-on practice with the company's proprietary education and trading analysis platform. Knowledgeable instructors guide the process, offering feedback and sharing content that can deepen students' knowledge of each key concept.

To put these principles into practice, Stratos provides an online framework in which students can learn critical trading and investment skills. Over time, students will become better prepared to engage in transactions for their personal portfolios.

Eyal Marmareli, Online Trading Academy's Chief Technology Officer, echoed the Stratos technology's concrete benefits. "Stratos empowers our instructors and students with multiple levels of smart, remote learning controls. [Stratos also] helps students develop the confidence to learn, analyze, and execute trades in the financial markets," he concludes.

Steve Albin, Online Trading Academy's Vice President of Product Operations, says the company's CliK education and trading analysis platform fills a substantial void in the marketplace. "Innovation comes from sensing a void and a vision for filling it. 

"CliK, our proprietary education, and trading analysis platform, coupled with Stratos, is that innovation. Stratos shortens the learning curve for our students, and it's a game-changer.

"Time and time again, our students share how much easier it is to make decisions and follow the risk management rules they set for themselves because CliK is programmed to tell you when you deviate from those rules and Stratos gives every student the chance to keep pace and enjoy learning with their peers," Albin emphasizes. 

Not surprisingly, CliK has earned a Stevie Award of its own. In June 2021, CliK was named the winner of the People's Choice Stevie Award for Favorite New Products. After more than 92,000 participants publicly cast their votes, CliK received the award for the Best Fintech Solution.

The Online Trading Academy has become a clear leader in quality financial education for everyday investors. Founded in 1997, this Irvine, California-based firm now operates over 35 global education centers that collectively have served more than 85,000 students.

Online Trading Academy caters to those seeking to build their knowledge of the financial markets and become more confident traders and investors. Whether students are novices or experienced investors, they'll have access to similar trading tools and methodologies as professional Wall Street traders.

Online Trading Academy's respected Core Strategy methodology is the foundation upon which the company's educational programs are built. Core Strategy enables students to make smarter decisions that support their short- and long-term financial goals and objectives. With Core Strategy, students apply the same rules to all trading styles and markets.

In September 2021, Online Trading Academy added a cryptocurrency and digital asset education program to its offerings. Senior Director Merlin Rothfeld emphasizes that investing in digital assets offers intriguing investment opportunities along with significant risks. Therefore, retail investors should prepare themselves for this new investment arena's challenges.

"We are at the precipice of a new economy. Decentralized finance is like the beginning of the Internet.  It is exciting but it can be very risky.  People who are considering investing in digital assets must be prepared.

"Whether you're a skeptic or a raging fan, cryptocurrencies and digital assets are transforming traditional, centralized models such as banking, healthcare, insurance, exchanges, and much more! Decentralized businesses are beginning to thrive and presenting an abundance of investing and trading opportunities.

"Digital Assets are so much more than Bitcoin. My greatest fear is that people are so excited, they have so much FOMO [or Fear of Missing Out] that they'll simply fly blind. A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. 

"Whether I'm teaching options or crypto to someone who's been investing for years or someone just getting started, my mission is always the same: give people the tools to make smarter decisions," Rothfeld emphasizes.

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