Early in 1998, Denis Hilton galvanised a CSFI round-table on the psychology of trading by introducing participants to a completely different way of looking at what they do.  He knew nothing about finance - but he had done extensive work with other professionals (particularly in the medical field), and he knew all about professional arrogance and the unwillingness of professionals to change their mind-set even as the world (and the technology) changes around them.

This paper (a very lively read, even if it looks a bit more "academic" than the usual CSFI offering) is an extension of what Denis spoke about at the round-table.  It is based on a series of interviews he conducted in the City.