Based in Plainsboro, New Jersey, Michael Franko is a commodities trader who engages with Paddock Court Trading as managing member. He undertakes macroeconomic market research that tracks pricing and valuation changes, and pursues advanced hedging strategies. Michael D. Franko excels in mitigating risk and maximizing return potential with his analytical, portfolio-driven approach.
Mr. Franko graduated from Bucknell University, earning his degree in economics and political science. He also holds an MBA from Fordham University. He began his career in the early 1980s with the Pritzker-owned Marmon Group’s Physical Traffic Department. He quickly expanded his responsibilities to areas such as sales, clearing, and foreign exchange. Mr. Franko’s efforts were integral in the establishment of an internal options trading department, and his commodity options arbitrage work helped build accurate pricing models.
Michael D. Franko subsequently served as director of commodity trading and portfolio manager with Willowbridge Associates. He expanded his skills to include advanced directional trading, while continuing to handle metals arbitrage and spreads. He has held responsibilities on the Copper Advisory Board of the New York Commodity Exchange.