Market Maker

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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***Take a free M&A Finance Accelerator simulation in partnership with UBS www.amplifyme.com/mafa Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, Stephen Barnett, a corporate finance expert known for his insights on M&A and private equity, joins Anthony Cheung to dissect the controversies surrounding ESG investing. They explore the stark differences in ESG commitment between the US and Europe and tackle the pervasive issue of greenwashing. Barnett offers practical advice for aspiring sustainable investors, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and staying grounded in a shifting landscape. Can ESG survive its current backlash? Tune in to find out.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.