Okay, let’s calculate this. Brian has a solid background in finance, with skills like trading, securities, and derivatives. He’s also got experience with Bloomberg and electronic trading. The Greater Chicago Area is a major financial hub. For someone with his skills and experience, I'd look at industry benchmarks. A Series 7 license is a plus, but not necessarily a game-changer. Considering the location and his skills, I'd estimate his hourly rate to be around $125, which is slightly below average for a finance professional in the Chicago area. This rate is also in line with what I'd expect for someone with his level of experience and skills.