CNBC's "Fast Money" Big Year For Banks… And What’s In Store For AI & VC In 2026 12/30/25
Dec 30, 2025
Laura Rippey, an early-stage investor and Managing Partner at Alumni Ventures, shares insights into the vibrant VC landscape, focusing on AI, defense, and space investments. She highlights exciting startups like Grok and emphasizes the potential of nuclear energy for powering data centers. With banks performing well, she discusses macro trends affecting the financial sector while pointing out the risks and opportunities ahead. Plus, hear her thoughts on the implications of humanoid robots and the evolving AI market!
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Why Big Banks Had A Standout Year
- Big banks outperformed broad indexes in 2025 driven by better credit, capital markets, and AI efficiency gains.
- Karen Feinerman says banks can boost margins by cutting small percentages of expenses with AI.
Buy Turnaround Banks Focused On Core Strengths
- Consider owning turnaround banks that are shrinking into higher-value franchises, like Citigroup under Jane Fraser.
- Guy Adami expects more upside as Citi sheds noncore businesses and refocuses on asset and wealth management.
OpenAI Is A Systemic Market Force
- The AI leader ecosystem (OpenAI, etc.) has centralized huge amounts of capital and influence across tech and finance.
- Dan Nathan warns that a major stumble at OpenAI could ripple through IPOs, VC funding, and banks lending into the AI buildout.