Market Maker

In this episode, Anthony speaks with Romy Cuadras, Head of Alternatives and Fund Solutions at Pictet Wealth Management, about her unconventional path into finance and the lessons she’s learned across global markets.Romy shares how her Cuban heritage, resilience, and adaptability shaped a career spanning operations, trading, hedge funds, and now leading alternatives for ultra-high-net-worth clients. She offers practical advice on navigating pressure, stakeholder management, and why curiosity, courage, and financial independence are critical skills for young professionals.It’s an honest look at succeeding in wealth management, full of insights on soft skills, resilience, and standing out in an increasingly competitive industry.(00:00) Intro(00:49) Romy’s Journey(10:43) Positive Mindset (15:59) Head of Alternatives(17:38) Soft Skills in Finance(25:37) Thriving Under Pressure(33:19) Stakeholder Dynamics(39:06) Diversity as Strength(45:33) Standout Performers(51:22) Meaningful Career*****Sign up for the daily Market Maker Newsletter Find out more about www.amplifyme.comConnect with Anthony Cheung

In this week’s Market Maker Podcast, Anthony and Piers dive into three huge stories shaping markets, technology, and careers in finance:Trump’s U-turn on Ukraine & the defense stock boom – What does his latest stance mean for NATO, Europe’s defense spending, and why has one German arms manufacturer surged 2,000% since the war began?Nvidia’s $100bn OpenAI deal & the global AI race – From landmark partnerships with OpenAI, Alibaba, and Intel, to political maneuvering at the top table, we break down how Nvidia is cementing itself as the backbone of AI infrastructure.HSBC’s quantum leap – The bank claims a 34% improvement in bond price predictions using quantum computing. We unpack what this really means, how it could reshape Wall Street, and why students and early-career professionals should pay attention.Whether you’re curious about markets, fascinated by frontier tech, or exploring your future in finance, this episode connects the dots between geopolitics, AI, quantum, and the career skills that will matter most.💡 Timestamps(00:00) Intro & Topics(02:04) Trump’s U-Turn & Defense Stocks(08:55) Nvidia’s $100bn OpenAI Deal(25:13) Nvidia’s Global Strategy & Politics(30:45) Quantum Computing in Finance👉 Useful ResourcesAmplifyME free Markets Finance AcceleratorAmplifyME free Banking Finance Accelerator📌 Student Training Programmes5-day In-Person Bootcamp in London3-Week Virtual Summer Analyst Programme🤝 ConnectAnthony CheungPiers Curran

In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony is joined by M&A expert Silvia Magni to break down one of the most common questions in investment banking:👉 What’s the difference between sector coverage and product teams?Whether you're prepping for investment banking interviews, navigating your M&A career path, or deciding between technical vs client-facing roles, this episode covers everything you need to know to make an informed decision.🔍 What You’ll Learn:Sector coverage vs product teams: key differencesWhat each team actually does day-to-dayHow career paths vary between execution and industry focusHow to switch teams internally (and what banks look for)Why industry knowledge is critical for winning M&A mandatesInterview tips to speak confidently about team structuresPerfect for students, graduates, and career switchers targeting analyst or associate roles at bulge bracket banks, elite boutiques, or M&A advisory firms.⏱️ Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(00:30) What is sector coverage?(02:39) Can you change sectors?(04:14) Sector differences(05:18) Understanding product teams(07:13) Choosing the right path in IBD(08:42) Switching between teams(10:15) Why industry knowledge is an edge(13:13) Key takeaways🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodesNew episodes every week diving into M&A, markets, and career advice in finance.

This week, Anthony and Piers dive into the Fed’s unexpected “risk management” rate cut, what does that even mean? And why is Powell suddenly more concerned about jobs than inflation?Then it's on to Trump’s latest bombshell, scrapping quarterly earnings in favour of semiannual reports. Maverick nonsense or a legitimate debate about investor pressure and corporate costs?Finally, the team dissect the failed sale of Argos from Sainsbury’s to JD.com. Why did the deal collapse? What does it say about cross-border M&A, boardroom discipline, and China’s global shopping spree?Whether you’re trading the headlines or prepping for a finance interview, this episode is packed with the market mechanics and strategic insight you need.(00:00) Intro & News in Focus(02:23) Fed Rate Cut & Market Implications(10:03) Trading Psychology & Market Reactions(11:55) Fed Dot Plots Explained(18:21) Trump’s Corporate Earnings Proposal(20:21) Press Bias & News Interpretation(21:00) Quarterly vs. Semiannual Reporting(26:12) Tech's Role in Corporate Transparency(31:30) Argos Deal Breakdown(42:43) Investor Sentiment & M&A Takeaways

In the second episode of our application-season mini-series with the LSE Alternative Investments Conference (AIC), I’m joined by Yuga Kozuki, Co-President of the LSE AIC.Yuga shares how he secured speculative roles across venture capital, M&A, and hedge funds using cold emailing strategies, automation tools, and the power of student societies. We also dive into handling pressure, reframing rejection, and using AI as a coach and mentor throughout the process.This episode is packed with practical hacks and mindset shifts to help you navigate application season with resilience, focus, and confidence.Perfect for any student exploring different finance paths and looking for fresh, actionable ways to stand out.(00:00) Introduction to Alternative Investments(01:37) Navigating University Life and Societies(04:37) Managing Stress and Pressure(10:05) Building Resilience Through Rejection(12:21) Value of Networking in University(15:47) Mastering the Art of Cold Emailing(26:19) Interview Process for Speculative Applications(29:53) Leveraging AI Tools for Productivity► LSE AIC Instagram► LSE AIC LinkTree

In this episode, Anthony and Piers unpack a week of upside surprises, from inflation data clearing the path for Fed rate cuts to Oracle’s shock $455 billion order book and the tech rally pushing markets to fresh highs.They question whether Wall Street’s S&P 500 forecasts are still too cautious, explore why Klarna’s IPO success might reignite deal flow, and dissect the $53 billion Anglo-Teck copper merger. More than just a headline deal, it’s a masterclass in corporate defense, streamlining portfolios, leaning into future-facing assets like copper, and turning defense into offense with smart, strategic M&A.(00:00) Market Overview & Outlook(02:38) Inflation Data & Fed Policy(05:35) Tech Stocks & Performance(08:27) Oracle Earnings & AI(11:01) Musk’s $1T Pay Package(14:11) Analyst Calls & Forecasts(16:47) Banks & Deal Flow(19:35) Klarna IPO & Markets(22:38) Anglo-Teck Merger

Kicking off our special application-season mini-series, we're joined by Raul Verma, Co-President of the LSE Alternative Investments Conference (AIC), to demystify the finance career journey from inside one of the world’s top universities.In this episode, Raoul shares his unconventional path, including dropping out and returning to LSE and the real pressures, decisions, and strategies behind landing finance roles. Whether you're considering banking, exploring alternatives, or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with raw insights, relatable stories, and actionable advice.Perfect for students navigating their next steps and looking to hear from peers who’ve been there.(00:00) Intro to the Mini Series(01:37) Dropping Out of LSE & Coming Back(08:11) Life at a Top Uni: Pressure & Competition(13:26) Mentors Matter: Finding Your Guide(18:08) Handling Parental Expectations(21:33) How to Apply to Finance Roles(31:52) Why This Series? + AIC Overview*****Learn more about LSE AIC

In this episode, Anthony and Piers dig into the surge in UK borrowing costs, now at their highest since 1998. Is this a warning sign or just a media-fueled blip? They explore the fiscal strain, political reshuffling, and why the pound took a sharp hit earlier in the week.The conversation then turns to the deeper structural issues—rising inflation, slowing growth, and a widening current account deficit. Could this all snowball into a credibility crisis for the UK government and Bank of England?Also in this episode: gold’s breakout past $3,500, Goldman’s bold $5,000 call, and what the rally tells us about fading trust in fiat systems and central bank independence.(00:00) UK: Borrowing & Inflation(08:41) Debt Spiral(17:17) Deficits & Outlook(25:56) Gold as Hedge(34:25) Trust in Gov’t & Banks

In this episode, Anthony is joined by M&A expert Silvia Magni to break down how to confidently talk about M&A and corporate finance deals in investment banking interviews — even if you haven’t worked on a deal yourself.We cover what interviewers are really looking for, how to structure your answer like a pro, how to use recent or live deals the right way, and the most common mistakes candidates make (and how to avoid them). Plus, why strategic rationale often matters more than just getting the technicals right.Whether you're preparing for analyst or associate-level roles, this is packed with practical advice to help you stand out.📌 ChaptersUse the timestamps to jump to key parts of the conversation.👇 Let us know in the comments:What’s one deal you’ve looked into that really caught your attention? And why?🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodesNew episodes every week diving into M&A, markets, and career advice in finance.(00:00) Intro: Talking About Deals in Interviews(00:58) Do You Need Deal Experience?(01:51) When Deal Questions Come Up(02:48) Structuring Your Answer(03:12) Tailoring to the Bank(04:29) Finding Deal Advisors(05:14) Deal Framework Essentials(06:56) Understanding Rationale & Risks(08:45) Key Deal Points to Cover(09:22) Strategic Thinking as a Differentiator(10:01) Moving Beyond the Technicals(11:05) What Senior Interviewers Want(12:50) Using Live vs Older Deals(13:57) Choosing the Right Deal(15:13) What Interviewers Are Really Testing(17:52) Common Interview Mistakes(19:50) Final Tips & Be Genuine

Piers is back on the mic, and just in time. The markets are heating up and so is the political pressure. In this episode, Anthony and Piers unpack Trump’s latest attack on the Federal Reserve, this time zeroing in on Governor Lisa Cook with allegations of mortgage fraud. Is this just another headline-grabbing move, or a serious threat to the Fed’s independence?Then, the focus shifts to France, where political chaos is shaking investor confidence and French markets are tanking. Could Macron’s government collapse? And what happens if it does?Closer to home, UK households are facing another blow as food and energy prices spike. So why is the Bank of England cutting rates while inflation is rising?Also in this episode: market reactions to Powell’s Jackson Hole speech, the bond market’s inflation signals, and why traders keenly awaiting the upcoming payrolls report.(00:00) Reunion and Market Overview(04:33) Trump's Influence on the Fed(27:58) Political Turmoil in France(38:12) UK Inflation and Economic Outlook