Founded in 2006, Grasshopper has grown from a proprietary trading firm into a technology-driven organisation with a deep nexus in Asia, by leveraging its proprietary engineering in markets across Asia.
Founder and Chairman
After graduating with an Engineering degree from Cornell University, John worked his way up from a clerk position in the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Since then, he’s lived and traded internationally in London and Tokyo, and now calls Singapore home. John founded Grasshopper in 2006, and plays an active role in guiding vision and strategy as its founder and Chairman.
John’s passion for teamwork, culture, and innovation makes him an inspiring mentor and visionary thinker. He devotes significant time and energy to influencing a better future for the next generation.
At the start of 2019, John was interviewed on Michael Covel’s prolific podcast with over 7 million listens, Trend Following. Catch the episode here.
CEO
CTO
Sachar de Vries has spent a decade building the technological foundations of Grasshopper. As the first IT hire, Sachar was pivotal in the firm’s transformation from first time electronic traders to regional tech powerhouse.
Now, as Chief Technical Officer, Sachar leads technology strategy and helps the trading teams leverage Grasshopper’s proprietary trading platform.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Sachar previously held roles at Essent, Kabelcom, the second largest internet provider in the Netherlands. He moved to Singapore in 2008, and can be found travelling the region in search of the best places to kitesurf and hit waves.
CIO
As Chief Investment Officer, Alex Wong leads Grasshopper’s strategic investment decisions in becoming Asia’s premier trading firm. His insights and thought leadership have consistently delivered success in key transformation work.
Alex began his career in Kuranda Trading as a click trader, where guts and glory were the battle cries on the trading floor, and wrote greybox algorithms to help his trading. He transited to fully automated quantitative trading as Head of the HFT desk at Toji Trading LLC, and then as the Head of the Systematic Trading team in Grasshopper. With his diverse experience and fondness for difficult problems, Alex offers an incisive perspective to alpha research and capture.
He often quotes, “All men dream; but not equally… But the dreamers of day are dangerous men. That they may act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible.”
Alex graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelors in Physics and Financial Mathematics. He has won the Lijen Industrial Development Medal and the Jurong Shipyard Prize.
2006
When the doors of the SIMEX open outcry trading pits closed, our Founder, John Lin, opens a window. He sees a gap in the fresh frontier of electronic trading and sets off to create Grasshopper.
Together they conceptualise their first custom algorithmic programme. James would move on to become a key executive for Grasshopper.
2007
The firm embraces a new future that combines trader instinct with micro-structure capability, and is determined to build in-house, leading edge technology.
2010
2012
Grasshopper regularly ranks top 10 on the key exchanges it trades in Asia.
2013
2015
This lays the technology and data management foundation for competing at a whole new level. Grasshopper begins studying Blockchain technology and Artificial Intelligence.
2018
Obtained FSA Japan approval. The firm now has more than 60 employees spanning trading and technology and trades half a trillion in notional value monthly.
2020
James Leong, our longest tenured Grasshopper, was appointed CEO of Grasshopper. Prior to becoming CEO, James has held positions as CFO, COO and Head of Trading at the firm. Entered Thai and Malaysian markets.
2021
Grasshopper Asset Management is a Registered Fund Management Company (RFMC) regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Promoted Gabriel Yap to CEO of GAM and Sachar de Vries to CTO.
2023
Ushered in a new era of Grasshopper with new office. Promoted Alex Wong to CIO. Successfully raised funds from external investors for expansion into rest of Asia.
2024
Grasshopper doubled headcount, crossing the 100-employee mark. The firm successfully onboarded high-performing teams to its platform as part of its growth plan.
2025
Grasshopper expanded its multi-market footprint and continued scaling in existing markets. The new office in Ho Chi Minh supports regional operations.
Grasshopper is focused on building deliberately.
We will continue to invest in proprietary technology and exceptional people, expand our presence across Asia, and scale systematic strategies with discipline through changing market environments.
