Afleveringen
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From a $35bn “Valentine’s Day love letter” to OpenAI’s mysterious $6.5bn hardware play, Anthony and Stephen break down the biggest deal stories shaking up markets this week.
They also dive into the private equity pullback as firms like Blackstone and KKR slump, why Goldman Sachs is going big on the Middle East, and how Victoria’s Secret is fighting off unwanted attention with lingerie and a poison pill.
Essential listening for anyone curious about the mechanics of mega M&A, private equity’s shifting playbook, and the strange overlap between fashion, finance, and billion-dollar drama.
(00:00) Intro & Key Themes
(01:43) The $35 Billion Love Letter
(09:36) OpenAI's Bold Acquisition
(16:42) The State of Private Equity
(23:23) Goldman Sachs in the Middle East
(27:14) Victoria's Secrets Poison Pill
(32:55) Google's $700 Million Gift
*****
Are you a student interested in exploring a career in finance?
Check out the AmplifyME Summer Analyst Training Programme https://amplifyme.com/summer-analyst-programme
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From a surprise jump in UK inflation to soaring retail sales and a surging pound, Anthony and Piers break down why Britain’s economy is defying expectations and what it means for interest rate cuts.
They also unpack the bizarre logic behind OPEC’s production hike amid falling oil prices, gold’s fresh rally on renewed debt fears, and how Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” could push US borrowing costs to record highs.
Essential listening for anyone trying to make sense of inflation surprises, energy market gamesmanship, and the slow-burning fuse of America’s fiscal crisis.
(00:00) Intro & Key Themes
(01:37) UK Inflation and Consumer Confidence
(08:10) Oil Market Dynamics and OPEC's Strategy
(15:15) Gold's Resurgence Amid US Debt Concerns
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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From eToro’s blockbuster debut to the return of SPACs and the flood of micro IPOs from China, Anthony and Stephen break down what’s really happening in the 2025 IPO market.
They also dive into the data behind Japan’s surprise IPO boom, why London continues to lag, and which investment banks are topping the ECM league tables, with one unexpected name climbing fast.
Essential insight for anyone tracking deals, equity markets, and the big stories behind this year’s public listings.
(00:00) Intro & Key Themes
(02:47) IPO Market Overview: Year-to-Date Performance
(05:14) Micro Listings: A New Trend in IPOs
(13:01) Understanding SPACs and Their Role
(17:41) Global IPO Activity: A Broader Perspective
(20:21) Sector Analysis: What Companies Are Going Public?
(24:01) eToro IPO & Notable Companies to Watch
(33:44) UK IPO Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities
(36:52) Investment Banks: League Tables and Revenue Breakdown
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From a blistering 20% S&P rebound to Trump’s tariff U-turn, Anthony and Piers unpack what’s behind one of the fastest stock market rallies in recent memory — and whether it can last.
They also dive into the surprise inflation slowdown, what it means for Fed rate cuts, and why the looming US debt ceiling deadline could be the next big market risk. Plus, is “taco trade” the new “buy the dip”?
Essential listening for anyone trying to make sense of fast-moving markets, policy shifts, and the psychology driving investor behavior.
(00:00) Intro & Key Themes
(03:05) What’s Driving the Market Rebound
(09:03) US Inflation Trends & Fed Rate Cut Hopes
(14:56) Trading Psychology: Fear, Risk & Strategy
(16:00) The Debt Ceiling Explained - And Why It Matters
(24:29) One Market Factor You Might Be Overlooking
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In this career insight episode, Anthony speaks with Mahgul Ansari, an Assistant Portfolio Manager at Premier Miton, about her unconventional path into investment management.
Starting out studying modern languages at Oxford University and later qualifying as a chartered accountant, Gul shares how she pivoted into asset management, the challenges she faced along the way, and how she built an edge in the industry by combining linguistic, analytical, and accounting skills.
Gul opens up about dealing with rejection, breaking into the industry without a finance degree, and why authenticity and personal branding matter more than ever.
(00:00) Gul's Journey: From Languages to Finance
(07:22) Navigating Career Challenges and Self-Discovery
(16:56) Finding Your Edge in Investment Management
(23:50) The Role of a Portfolio Manager
(28:34) Personal Branding and Authenticity in Finance
(37:46) Diversity and Inclusion in Asset Management
(45:45) Exploring Non-Traditional Paths into Finance
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From Shell eyeing BP in a historic mega-merger to 3G Capital’s surprise $9.4bn move on Skechers, Anthony and Stephen break down the M&A headlines driving markets this week.
They also unpack Sunoco’s $9.1bn cross-border play for Canada’s Parkland and explain what a “fairness opinion” really means.
Essential insight for anyone interested in deals, strategy, and what real money is doing in volatile times.
(00:00) Intro & Topics on the Table
(02:41) Mega M&A Deal: Shell and BP
(24:20) Skechers Acquisition by 3G Capital
(32:40) Sunoco's Acquisition of Parkland
(36:00) Understanding Fairness Opinions in M&A
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The Fed kept rates on hold - no surprise there. But in this episode, Anthony and Piers dig into the real story: the subtle shifts in language, the rising risk of stagflation, and how Trump’s tariff war is clouding the economic outlook.
They break down why traders hang on Powell’s every word, how markets react before policy changes, and what conflicting data says about where the US economy is headed. Whether you're trying to make sense of monetary policy or sharpen your market instincts, this is the episode that connects the dots, minus the jargon, with all the context.
(00:00) Understanding the FOMC Announcement
(02:47) Monetary Policy's Impact on Markets
(05:52) Decoding Economic Data and Fed's Challenges
(08:33) Powell Fires Back at Trump
(11:32) Unpacking Changes in the Fed's Statement
(16:14) Market Reactions and Future Expectations
(18:48) Tariffs, Negotiations, and Market Sentiment
(21:10) Interest Rate Futures and Market Predictions
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Meta is back in the crosshairs of the FTC. Could Zuckerberg really be forced to spin off Instagram or WhatsApp?
We explore the legal showdown, what it means for antitrust enforcement in big tech, and the potential ripple effects for future M&A deals in Silicon Valley.
Then, we head to the UK where private equity giant KKR is circling Thames Water with a potential £4 billion investment. It’s a classic case of distressed infrastructure meets sharp-elbowed private capital.
Tune in for a breakdown of the business models, political implications, and what these deals say about the future of competition and capitalism.
(00:00) Introduction and Overview of M&A Topics
(02:44) Meta's Antitrust Battle and Business Model Critique
(10:30) FTC's Antitrust Case Against Meta
(17:44) Implications of Antitrust Case for Big Tech
(25:46) KKR's Acquisition of Thames Water
(32:25) Private Equity vs. Nationalization of Utilities
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Anthony and Piers break down the latest U.S. GDP figures that sent headlines into a frenzy, but is the economy really on the brink of recession?
This episode dives into the mechanics behind the data, why imports distorted the numbers, and what it really means for the Fed, markets, and your investment outlook.
Clear, no-nonsense insight that cuts through the headlines.
(00:00) Introduction and Economic Context
(02:09) Understanding GDP and Its Implications
(06:30) Consumer Sentiment and Economic Resilience
(12:34) Market Reactions and Future Projections
(19:06) Conclusion and Key Takeaways
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Guinevere Taylor didn’t study finance. She didn’t go to a top-tier uni. But she built a successful career in asset management and after several years as a director at a major sell-side bank, she now leads UK Capital Formation at Brightwood Capital.
In this episode, she shares how she broke into the industry, built confidence in client-facing roles, and juggled early motherhood with a demanding career.
If you're a student or young professional looking for real, relatable advice on thriving in finance, this conversation is for you.
(00:00) Fiji to Finance
(02:47) From Credit Cards to Asset Management
(06:06) The Importance of Soft Skills in Client Relations
(08:57) Balancing Work and Motherhood
(11:57) Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
(15:09) Why Building Relationships is Key Skill
(17:59) Finding your Right Fit
(21:06) Networking for Young Professionals
(24:05) Advice for Future Generations
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In this podcast episode, Anthony and Stephen unpack the return of mega mergers, from Capital One’s $35.5bn takeover of Discover Financial to Nomura’s strategic $2bn acquisition.
Plus, they dive into why private equity is reshaping the accountancy world through massive consolidation plays like Baker Tilly and Grant Thornton.
Whether you're aiming for banking, asset management, accounting, private equity, or advisory, this is essential insight to stay ahead of the curve.
(00:00) Introduction to M&A Deals
(02:05) Capital One's $35.5 Billion Acquisition
(09:02) Nomura's Strategic Acquisition of Macquarie
(16:00) Baker Tilly's Acquisition of Moss Adams
(25:50) Grant Thornton's Fragmented Structure and PE Involvement
***
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What happens when a president hints at firing the Fed chair, markets spiral, and Elon Musk suddenly retreats from Washington?
In this episode, Anthony and Piers dissect Trump’s headline-grabbing U-turn, the deeper implications for Fed independence, and why Tesla shares soared despite disastrous earnings.
Plus, is a US-China trade thaw finally in sight and what could that mean for inflation and rates? Another high-stakes week in global markets made easy to understand for everyone.
(01:58) Trump vs Powell: The Current State of Play
(05:03) Why Does Trump Want Lower Rates?
(06:19) Can Trump actually fire Fed Chair Powell?
(09:53) How have Markets Reacted to this Idea?
(15:19) The Most Important Story Isn't Trump
(18:19) Why Fed Independence is Important
(21:18) Is a Japanese and Indian Trade Deal Coming?
(25:50) Elon Musk Turns Attention Back to Tesla
(33:11) Handling Volatile Markets When Investing
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In part two of our ESG mini-series, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett dive into the backlash that’s hit the ESG world: record fund outflows, greenwashing scandals, political pushback, and major asset managers quietly stepping away. But is this really the end… or just the next chapter?
They explore why ESG has become so controversial, why the US and Europe are heading in different directions, and whether it’s still possible to invest with purpose and make money. Plus, some practical advice for anyone thinking about a career in sustainable finance—especially how to stay grounded when trends shift.
If you’re looking to understand the bigger picture and where ESG goes from here, this one’s for you.
(00:00) The State of ESG: Is It Dead?
(04:26) US vs. Europe: A Cultural Divide in ESG Commitment
(10:04) Greenwashing: The Challenge of Authenticity in ESG
(15:12) The Importance of ESG in a Volatile World
(19:06) Anti-Fragility: Thriving Through Challenges
(22:38) Next Steps: Exploring ESG and Career Paths
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In this episode, Anthony sits down with Miren-Edurne De Frutos, a senior sales & trading executive with decades of global experience across top-tier investment banks.
Fluent in five languages and having worked across eight countries, Miren shares her refreshingly honest take on:
What sales & trading roles actually involve (minus the jargon)How to stand out in finance by mastering soft skillsThe power of building authentic, long-term relationshipsWhy neurodiversity still isn't talked about enough in markets and how she’s using her voice to change thatFrom waiting tables in New York to pitching complex ideas to institutional clients, Miren’s journey is packed with stories, practical advice, and raw insight into what it really takes to succeed and be yourself in finance.
Whether you’re exploring a career in markets or already navigating one, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
(02:02) Introduction to Career Insights and Neurodiversity
(03:56) Understanding Roles in Investment Banking
(06:40) How Language Skills Helped
(09:09) The Importance of Personal Growth and Adaptability
(12:22) Standing Out in a Competitive Environment
(15:33) Building Your Board of Directors
(19:07) The Art of Selling and Building Relationships
(22:45) Networking vs. Relationship Building
(26:09) Navigating Neurodiversity in Finance
(35:18) Leveraging Technology for Neurodiverse Individuals
(38:24) Creating Inclusive Environments in Finance
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Is ESG just a buzzword or does it still matter? In this two-part episode, Anthony Cheung is joined by ESG expert Stephen Barnett to unpack what ESG really means, where it came from, and why it’s become so confusing (and controversial). From trillion-dollar funds to wind turbines on glossy brochures, they explore the good, the bad, and the misunderstood.
Whether you're curious about impact investing, thinking about a career in sustainable finance, or just want to finally understand what ESG actually means beyond the acronym, this is the episode for you.
(00:00) Introduction to ESG and Its Importance
(05:43) The Historical Context of ESG
(12:22) The Size and Scope of the ESG Industry
(18:29) Understanding ESG Investing Strategies
(26:16) Impact Investing vs. ESG
(31:21) Challenges in ESG Investing
(37:16) Philosophical Considerations in ESG Investing
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In one of the wildest weeks on Wall Street since 2008, markets flip from panic to euphoria—thanks to a single Truth Social post and a dramatic policy reversal from Donald Trump. But was it all part of the plan?
In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down:
Why the S&P 500 had its biggest one-day jump since the financial crisisThe real asset class that forced Trump’s hand (hint: not equities)What bond yields, auction flops, and China’s emergency meetings say about global market stressHow traders at JPMorgan are thriving while hedge funds like Renaissance take a beatingAnd what this all means for students and young professionals trying to understand today’s marketsFast-moving, high-stakes, and full of insight. This is the episode you need to hear to stay commercially aware!
(02:01) Market Movements and Trump's Influence
(08:17) The Role of Inflation and Federal Reserve Actions
(12:08) Trump's Negotiation Tactics and Market Reactions
(17:26) Bond Market Dynamics and Economic Implications
(26:55) China's Response and Future Strategies
(32:05) Investment Bank Scenarios of What Next?
(36:49) Trading Booms & Banking Busts
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What does it take to succeed in quant finance? Anthony Cheung sits down with Nitish Maini, Chief Strategy Officer at WorldQuant, to discuss his journey from consulting to quant trading, the biggest misconceptions about the industry, and why creativity and strategic thinking are just as important as coding skills.
They also explore how WorldQuant is reshaping global talent pipelines through initiatives like the WorldQuant BRAIN platform and the International Quant Championship, opening doors for aspiring quants worldwide.
If you're interested in quant finance, or just curious to learn more, this episode is for you!
Enter the International Quant Championship qr.wqbrain.com/bfqLYvLearn2Quant YouTube series by WorldQuant https://shorturl.at/BR2v6*****
(00:00) Introduction to Quantitative Finance and Nitish's Background
(08:45) The Difference Between Quant Researcher and Portfolio Manager
(19:07) The Evolution of Quantitative Finance
(20:55) Demystifying Quant Finance
(24:05) WorldQuant: A Unique Approach to Quant Finance
(26:06) WorldQuant Brain: Crowdsourcing Alpha Signals
(30:01) Learn to Quant: Educational Initiatives
(32:16) International Quant Championship: A Global Competition
*****
(WorldQuant defines alphas as mathematical models that seek to predict the future price movements of various financial instruments)
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In the second half of this two-part series, Anthony and Stephen unpack the political and economic ripple effects of Trump's first term on Nike, European carmakers, EV charging firms, luxury giants like LVMH and even private prison operators. From tariffs to executive orders, find out who’s adapting, who’s lobbying, and who’s quietly making billions.
(00:35) Nike's Struggles Amid Trade Wars
(09:23) Impact of Tariffs on European Car Manufacturers
(17:30) Challenges for EV Charging Companies
(22:34) Luxury Brands and Political Influence
(25:14) The Rise of Private Prisons Under Trump
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How do you break into finance without a traditional background? Salena Lee, a Director in Real Estate Investment Banking EMEA at JLL, shares her unconventional journey from politics to investment banking and private equity, revealing the challenges, opportunities, and mindset shifts that made it possible.
She discusses the importance of self-awareness, networking, and the balance between technical and soft skills in career success. Salena also dives into cultural differences in business, the power of mentorship and sponsorship, and why patience is key to long-term growth.
(00:00) Navigating an Unconventional Career Path
(03:16) Transitioning into Finance: Challenges and Opportunities
(07:31) The Importance of Self-Awareness in Career Growth
(10:08) Technical Skills vs. Soft Skills in Finance
(12:22) Cultural Influences on Business Practices
(16:58) Mastering Presentation Skills
(18:54) Realities of Finance Careers: Investment Banking vs. Private Equity
(21:55) Managing Stress in High-Pressure Environments
(24:14) The Art of Selling Yourself
(28:30) The Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship
(34:49) The Importance of Patience in Career Development
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What do Tesla, Chevron, Paul Weiss, Accenture, and Boeing all have in common? In this episode, Anthony and Stephen dive into the companies most impacted, positively or negatively, by Donald Trump’s latest term in office.
From surprise military contracts and stealth fighter jets to sanctions, executive orders, and collapsing EV valuations, this episode breaks down how politics and policy are shaking up corporate America.
You’ll learn:
(00:00) Introduction to Trump's Impact on Companies
(02:45) Tesla's Rollercoaster Ride
(09:43) Chevron and Tariff Day
(13:56) Paul Weiss: Politics and Law
(19:41) Accenture's Consulting Challenges
(23:11) Boeing's Military Contracts and Future Prospects
This is Part 1 of a two-part series tracking 10 companies caught in the Trump storm, so remember to follow and tune in next week for part 2!
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