The Wall Street Skinny

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the unofficial companion podcast to HBO Max's hit show 'Industry,' Jen and Kristen delve deep into the financial intricacies presented in Season 2, Episode 2, titled 'Giant Squid.' They start by dissecting the concept of block trades, highlighting how institutions handle large stock transactions and the associated financial risk. The discussion ties this to a real-world example of a recent $2 billion block trade by Citi and the potential losses from such high-stake financial maneuvers when investor demand is miscalculated.Jen and Kristen also provide insights into Equity Capital Markets (ECM) and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). They explain the role of underwriters in building the order book and pricing the shares to ensure a successful IPO, emphasizing the importance of the roadshow in generating investor interest. They break down the differences between primary and secondary offerings, and discuss "rescue financing" in the context of private equity involvement.The hosts take a critical look at the private wealth management (PWM) sector as portrayed in the show. They discuss the stereotypes and realities of PWM roles, contrasting them with the fast-paced environment of institutional sales and trading. They underscore the impact of interpersonal relationships on financial success, using Celeste's mentorship of Yasmin as a case study. Through these discussions, Jen and Kristen not only enhance viewers' understanding of the dramatic plot but also provide a robust financial education.For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HEREShop our Self Paced Courses:Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HEREWealthfront.com/wss. This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others’ experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of "The Skinny On...", hosts Kristen and Jen discuss several hot topics including a sneaky potential catalyst for disappointing Apple earnings going forward. They explain --- through personal experience --- how the TikTok ban-or-sale ruling may have farther-reaching consequences than were initially perceived, and how lack of access to the app for new and upgrading iPhone users may negatively impact sales.  They also delve into the controversial $Trump coin and Trumponomics, examining the ethical and regulatory concerns surrounding cryptocurrencies and investments tied to political figures. Additionally, for newbies entering the industry trying to decide which desk is right for them, we talk about recent shifts in Credit Sales & Trading with respect to the rise in portfolio trades specifically.  What does it mean for your career when a product becomes more commoditized and more electronic?  It's not always cut and dry, so tune in to learn more!For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HEREShop our Self Paced Courses:Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HEREWealthfront.com/wss. This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others’ experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the unofficial companion podcast to HBO Max's hit show "Industry", Jen and Kristen dive into the premiere of Season 2, titled "Daddy." They provide a deep analysis of critical finance concepts such as block trades, sales credits, credit default swaps (CDS), and the impact of market volatility on trading desks. The duo examines how the show accurately portrays the challenges of navigating market disruptions, client relationships, and the competitive dynamics between sales and trading teams.A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the show's depiction of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on financial markets. Jen and Kristen offer expert commentary on the logistical challenges faced by trading desks during the market turmoil of 2020, including disaster recovery setups, the rapid adaptation to remote trading, and the implications for risk management and profitability. They also discuss how cultural shifts have altered workplace dynamics and the pressure to produce results in an evolving industry.Throughout the episode, Jen and Kristen analyze key plotlines, such as Harper's strategic positioning to land major clients, Robert's journey to assert his role in sales, and Yasmin's navigation of internal politics and client management. They provide sharp insights into the nuanced world of high finance, offering listeners an in-depth look at the industry's complexities and what it takes to succeed. For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HEREShop our Self Paced Courses:Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HEREWealthfront.com/wss. This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others’ experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE. 

Send us Fan MailFor a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HEREShop our Self Paced Courses:Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HEREWealthfront.com/wss. This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others’ experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of "The Skinny On...", we discuss the looming deadline for a sale or potential ban of TikTok in the United States, and speculate as to who might rescue it with a purchase. We approach the problem through the lens of an Investment Banker, thinking through the comps, valuation metrics, strategic interests, and antitrust implications.We also follow up on last week's conversations about the wildfires in California from a homeowner's insurance standpoint, and address the complexities of state-by-state legislation which, while perhaps well-intentioned, has led to disastrous consequences when ti comes to coverage in the impacted areas around LA.And finally, we share a personal story about how investment bankers can be pretty dumb when it comes to personal banking. We explain why banks don't pay anything on their deposits relative to their scrappier competitors, and how we almost forgot this ourselves.Check out our FREE LIVE MASTERCLASS on Jan 23rd at 12pm EST!  Learn the key technical concepts you need to ace your Investment Banking or Private Equity interviews. Even if you can't join live, register now to catch the 48h replay!https://courses.thewallstreetskinny.com/Jan2025-masterclass-registration-page-IB-technicals?utm_source=the-wall-street-skinny.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=no-bs-just-bullish&_bhlid=c96d5fc1164a9281b4369dc76031e1d4a42ea76eFor a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HEREShop our Self Paced Courses:Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HEREWealthfront.com/wss. This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others’ experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we dive into the financial concepts and themes explored in the Industry season finale, "Reduction in Force." RIF day at PeerPoint brings decisions that reveal the power dynamics between the firm’s old guard and the new wave of leadership. We analyze the mechanics of RIF day, exploring how performance reviews, client relationships, and strategic alliances influence hiring decisions in a competitive environment.This episode also unpacks trading floor terminology like market liquidity and circuit breakers. We break down the dynamics of thin liquidity and how it amplifies market volatility, with real-world examples from events like the 1987 crash and the COVID-19 market turbulence. Additionally, we explore the role of sales in finance, debating whether relationship-building and charm can truly compensate for technical expertise.Finally, we discuss the broader implications of mentorship, power struggles, and the shifting culture in finance. From the tension between Harper and Daria to Eric's controversial return, we highlight the complexities of leadership styles and career survival in high-pressure roles. Join us as we dissect the intersection of finance, workplace politics, and character development in one of Industry's most pivotal episodes.If you're here for the finance or just fascinated by the fast-paced world of investment banking, this episode offers a deep dive into the lessons and realities of life on the trading floor.For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HEREShop our Self Paced Courses:Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HEREWealthfront.com/wss. This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others’ experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE. 

Send us Fan MailThis week, Jen and Kristen dive into the intersection of Wall Street culture, substance use, and sobriety. Joining the conversation is none other than Carl Radke, star of Bravo’s Summer House and entrepreneur reshaping the way we socialize. From his personal journey through addiction and sobriety to launching New York City’s first alcohol-free bar, Soft Bar, Carl brings candid insights and powerful stories to the table.The episode kicks off with surprising statistics about shifting drinking habits among Gen Z and a discussion about how Wall Street’s reputation for excess has evolved over the years. Jen and Kristen reflect on their own experiences in the high-stakes finance world—where client dinners, endless vodka sodas, and late-night martinis were once the norm. But times are changing, and Carl offers a fresh perspective on creating meaningful social experiences without alcohol, inspired by his own four-year sobriety journey.Carl shares behind-the-scenes stories from Summer House, his role in launching Loverboy’s non-alcoholic offerings, and his vision for Soft Bar—a revolutionary space for mindful socializing. He also touches on broader cultural shifts in client entertainment, wellness trends, and the importance of fostering genuine connections in both business and personal life.Whether you’re sober-curious, a reality TV fan, or just love a good story about reinvention, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what it means to mix business with friendship.For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HEREShop our Self Paced Courses:Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HEREWealthfront.com/wss. This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others’ experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of "The Skinny On..." we unpack the history and details behind the recently announced acquisition of Shutterstock by Getty. This is a great case study for anyone wanting to understand which synergies investors prioritize in a merger as we walk through the ownership structure & market implications.We then shift gears to talk about the 100 basis point selloff we've seen in 10 year notes since the fall, half of which has occurred over the past thirty days. Will 10 year notes hit 5.00%? And are there any seasonal factors to take into account behind the move?Piggybacking off a recent article by Matt Levine, we dive a little into the hoopla around GSE privatization talk, explaining the history of Fannie and Freddie, the conservatorship resulting from the financial crisis, and you'll learn why you should never use the term "bailout" at a cocktail party with Kristen.Finally, we react to the news that JPMorgan is requiring everyone back in the office 5 days a week, and muse upon different ways financial firms could potentially leverage a creative, bespoke work schedule to foster the ownership mentality we see ourselves in the startup world.  For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HEREShop our Self Paced Courses:Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HEREWealthfront.com/wss. This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others’ experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE. 

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of 'The Wall Street Skinny,' Jen and Kristen dive deep into the finance-heavy intricacies of HBO Max's hit show 'Industry,' Season 1, Episode 7, aptly titled 'Pre Crisis Activity.' They discuss the ramifications of the 2008 Global Financial Crisis on Wall Street culture, touching upon terms like 'pre-crisis activity' and austerity measures implemented to curb excess and risk-taking. They also break down concepts like sales credits, account consolidation, and the senior relationship management (SRM) role within investment banks. You’ll learn why keeping client relationships transparent is both a strategic tool and a political maneuver within financial firms.The conversation takes a turn into the murky waters of clawbacks and deferred compensation, shedding light on these often misunderstood topics. The hosts don't shy away from discussing timely issues like inclusion and diversity (DEI initiatives) in the workplace, while also tackling the dark side of competitive banking environments through real-world examples. This episode isn't just for fans of the show; it's a crash course in some of the most pressing financial issues of our time.For a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HEREShop our Self Paced Courses:Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HEREWealthfront.com/wss. This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others’ experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE. 

Send us Fan MailIn this exciting New Year's episode, Jen and Kristen kick off 2025 with a fresh perspective on achieving career and personal goals. The hosts are joined by Valentina Savelyeva, a former investment banker and top life and career coach, to dive deep into practical strategies and mindset shifts essential for long-term success. Valentina shares her journey from Soviet Russia to Investment banking at JPMorgan to becoming a best-selling author and how setting aligned goals can transform your life.Listeners will gain insights into the importance of identifying core values, setting realistic goals, and overcoming mental barriers. The episode highlights tangible tools like creating an 'ideal scene' and utilizing the power of the reticular activating system (RAS) to manifest desired outcomes. The conversation also touches upon the science behind mindset work, making this episode a blend of inspiration and practical advice.Whether you’re a student, early in your career, or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable tips on aligning your career aspirations with personal fulfillment. Tune in to discover how to harness your unique strengths, tackle procrastination, and design a career path that brings you joy and success. Don't miss out on actionable insights that can help you make 2025 your best year yet!Valentina Savelyeva knows what it takes to thrive in the competitive world of corporate finance. A graduate of UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Valentina launched her career as an investment banking analyst at JPMorgan’s prestigious Technology, Media, and Telecom group—an opportunity that sparked her passion for empowering others to unlock their potential and achieve their career goals.But Valentina's journey didn’t start in corporate boardrooms—she immigrated to the U.S. from post-Soviet Russia with limited resources but boundless ambition. Through sheer determination, a positive mindset, and relentless grit, she overcame financial challenges and embraced personal growth, ultimately building a foundation for success that she now helps others achieve.After her time at JPMorgan, Valentina spent the next decade training professionals and college students in the technical skills needed to excel in finance. She led high-demand workshFor a 14 day FREE Trial of Macabacus, click HEREShop our Self Paced Courses:Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HEREWealthfront.com/wss. This is a paid endorsement for Wealthfront. May not reflect others’ experiences. Similar outcomes not guaranteed. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. Rate subject to change. Promo terms apply. If eligible for the boosted rate of 4.15% offered in connection with this promo, the boosted rate is also subject to change if base rate decreases during the 3 month promo period.The Cash Account, which is not a deposit account, is offered by Wealthfront Brokerage LLC ("Wealthfront Brokerage"), Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealthfront Brokerage is not a bank. The Annual Percentage Yield ("APY") on cash deposits as of 11/7/25, is representative, requires no minimum, and may change at any time. The APY reflects the weighted average of deposit balances at participating Program Banks, which are not allocated equally. Wealthfront Brokerage sweeps cash balances to Program Banks, where they earn the variable APY. Sources HERE.