The Wall Street Code (2013)

In this gripping documentary, we delve into the secretive and lucrative world of algorithmic trading on Wall Street. The film centers around Haim Bodek, a brilliant algorithm builder and former high-frequency trader. Bodek, also known as The Algo Arms Dealer, once thrived within the system he now vehemently criticizes.

As the narrative unfolds, we explore the inner workings of modern-day financial markets. The film contrasts the current approach to trading with the practices of the past. Gone are the days when human intuition and gut feelings ruled the trading floor. Instead, the financial landscape is now dominated by super-fast computers and intricate algorithms.

The digital revolution has transformed Wall Street into a complex and fragmented financial system—one that is challenging to comprehend and oversee. We are all connected to this system, yet only those who built it truly understand its intricacies. Haim Bodek, having created his own high-frequency trading algorithm, experienced firsthand the system’s power and pitfalls.

However, one day, his seemingly flawless algorithm inexplicably stopped working. Profits vanished, and Bodek embarked on a relentless quest to uncover the cause. His journey led him to expose the flaws and corruption within the financial system. The Wall Street Code sheds light on the hidden truths of high-frequency trading, revealing the extreme culture of secrecy and the impact of algorithms on global money markets.

Originally broadcasted by VPRO in 2013, this documentary serves as the final episode of a trilogy that explores winners and losers in the tech revolution on Wall Street. It’s a cautionary tale that reminds us how trading dynamics have shifted, leaving us all at the mercy of algorithms and their creators