The Wall Street Skinny

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We are recording LIVE from New York City, just hours before interviewing the cast and creators on the red carpet of the Season 4 premiere! And we're recapping what might just be the best television finale of all time...for a series that is NOWHERE near finished!

In this episode, we find our characters in the aftermath of Al-Miraj's last minute rescue of Pierpoint, as they all come face to face with the consequences of their decisions. While Pierpoint the institution we came to know, love, and fear may no longer exist...

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We started our careers at the epicenter of the Global Financial Crisis in 2008: the trading floor Lehman Brothers and the CDO Structuring desk at Morgan Stanley. And now, we get to watch our favorite characters reenacting all the drama of the Lehman bankruptcy through the lens of Industry.  

We dissect the chaotic "war room" dynamics as executive leadership scrambles for a lifeline, debating the merits of a strategic capital injection from Mitsubishi (mirroring the real-life rescue of Morgan Stanley) versus a total buyout by Barclays (the ultimate fate of Lehman). We e...

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In this episode, we see that friendship and loathing truly are two sides of the same coin. While everything is collapsing for Eric and Yasmin personally, professionally, and morally, Harper is finally ascending into her full power --- at both of their expense.

We finally learn what really happened to Yasmin's dad, drawing uncomfortable parallels to chilling real-world headlines. And speaking of real-world headlines, Pierpoint's descent evokes the ghosts of Lehman Brothers and the 2008 global financial crisis. Harper's emergence as the architect of a potentially catastrophic short of the bank's stock...

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A public inquiry into Lumi’s £2bn government bailout exposes Pierpoint’s role in the disastrous IPO, where Robert is sent to testify in front of a UK select committee. The episode lays bare how firms protect themselves in crises: lawyers serve the institution, not employees, and blame is carefully redirected toward anyone expendable enough to absorb the fallout.

The real financial bombshell, however, happens quietly back on the trading floor. Sweetpea's risk model shows that Pierpoint’s entire IPO pipeline is collapsing amid an ESG downturn is actually far worse than an...

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In this episode we discuss Season 3, Episode 4: "White Mischief", one of the strongest (and darkest) episodes of the series thus far.  

What starts as a Christmas episode turns into a brutal examination of luck, power, and the lies we tell ourselves and others. At the end of the day, this episode forces the question: is all trading gambling? If not, what's the difference? 

At the center is Rishi, running rogue risk around a fictionalized portrayal of Liz Truss' brief (yet calamitous) stint as PM. Rishi is facing both a St...

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In this episode we sit down with Liz Myers, Global Chair of Investment Banking and Capital Markets at J.P. Morgan for an Equity Capital Markets deep dive. We get into IPOs vs follow-ons, primary vs secondary proceeds (and why sponsor-backed IPOs often use proceeds differently), convertibles and the reality of price discovery. Liz breaks down the modern IPO process — from test-the-waters investor education to the order book build — and explains the newer concepts that didn’t exist until recently like cornerstone investors, why they matter, and how banks think...

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0-21:30: PSKY / WBD Deal breakdown
21:30-51:08 The Fed Breakdown
51:08-56:27: Donor Approved Funds for Charity

In this episode, Kristen and Jen continue to unpack Warner Brothers Discover bidding war from what the media is constantly getting wrong including missing the non apples to apples bids from PSKY and NFLX as well as why Paramount’s bid looks nothign like traditional M&A and is basically a straight-up leveraged buyout. They also break down the question everyone’s up in arms about: who is in control when this deal goes thro...

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Join Morgan Stanley alums Jen and Kristen as we decode the finance behind Industry Season 3, Episode 3, "It" which takes place at the COP conference in Switzerland. We break down the aftermath of the IPO and why pressuring a research analyst for a buy rating isn't just frowned upon—it’s illegal. We also analyze the mechanics of Petra and Harper’s attempt to launch their non new ESG fund at a climate conference, and why Harper’s calling herself a former "trader" rather than a salesperson is was so interesting.

This episode...

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Sarah Kapnick literally trained under John Nash at Princeton, went from structuring catastrophe bonds at Goldman during Hurricane Katrina, to serving as Chief Scientist at NOAA, and is now Global Head of Climate Advisory at JPMorgan. She’s part mathematician, part climate scientist, part Wall Street insider – and the godmother of The Wall Street Skinny, the person who first convinced Jen to go into finance. This interview has been two and a half years in the making, and it’s easily one of the most full-circle, “how is this one person real?” conversations we’ve ever...

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This week Kristen and Jen break down the blockbuster Netflix–Warner Bros. deal. Netflix has agreed to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio and streaming assets — HBO, Max, Warner Bros. Studios, and its iconic content library — for $27.75 per share in a cash and stock deal. But before the deal closes, Warner Bros. will spin off its cable networks (CNN, TBS, Discovery Channel, and more) into a separate company. That means Netflix is only buying the good stuff — no legacy cable attached.

This episode dives into the complex mechanics behind the transaction: how the sp...

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In this episode of The Skinny on Wall Street, Kristen and Jen unpack the story stirring up markets: Michael Burry’s latest warning that Big Tech is overstating earnings by extending the “useful life” assumptions on their GPUs. The conversation becomes a real-time teach-in on depreciation, useful life estimates, GAAP vs. tax depreciation, and how a small shift in an accounting estimate can meaningfully inflate EPS—especially for mega-cap tech stocks that trade heavily on P/E multiples. Kristen walks through exactly how depreciation affects valuation, and why some metrics (like EBITDA) and methodol...

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On this episode, we're talking about AI, the Fed, crypto, and housing --- and how those stories all suddenly collided this week. Nvidia’s huge earnings beat briefly sent markets higher, but the rally fizzled fast as investors grew more anxious about a potential AI bubble. We walk through why valuations increasingly assume massive job displacement and unprecedented productivity gains, and why Oracle has become the market’s “AI downside” hedge as its stock price collapses and its credit spreads blow out.

Zooming out to the macro picture: delayed economic...

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We’re almost 200 episodes in, and we’ve been waiting for the perfect guest to come on to explain distressed debt investing... the wait is over. In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Gatto, who quite literally wrote the book on credit with The Credit Investor’s Handbook, and serves as the head of private side investing (private markets) at Silver Point, a $41 billion credit asset management firm. With private credit dominating headlines for all the wrong reasons - fraud, liquidations like Tri-Color, and restruct...

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We are thrilled to present a SPECIAL EDITION of The Wall Street Skinny. This episode, recorded live at Carlyle’s NYC offices, is a candid interview with one of our most impressive (yet shockingly down-to-earth) guests to-date: Shane Clifford, Carlyle’s Head of Global Wealth.  

If you’re wondering how “Global Wealth” fits into one of the world’s most prestigious private equity mega funds, you’re not alone. We set the record straight about what Global Wealth is, how it relates to the rest of the business, and how it is reshaping th...

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In this week’s episode, we get into the Fed’s 25 basis point rate cut, Powell’s chaotic press conference before diving into Meta’s creative data center financing which is a lesson on project financing and lease accounting, and finally the growing blur between public and private credit. 

The Fed’s October meeting delivered the expected 25 bps cut but Powell’s tone afterward left markets rattled. While announcing a pause in quantitative tightening, he hinted that December isn’t a done deal, sparking confusion and volatility. Jen breaks down the mechanics behin...

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This week, we’re joined by Paul Dodd, Senior Operating Partner and Head of Go-to-Market Operations at Sixth Street, one of the most respected private credit and private equity firms in the world. This episode is Part 2 of our Business Operations 101 series, and we’re digging into how firms like Sixth Street actually create value inside the companies they invest in. Paul specializes in helping tech and SaaS businesses scale efficiently, so instead of talking about dealmaking, we’re talking about what happens after the deal closes: how to...

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In this episode, we sit down with Don Kieffer, senior lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management and co-author of There’s Gotta Be a Better Way, to talk about what actually makes companies run well. Don has spent decades helping organizations, from Harley-Davidson factory floors to biotech labs, design better systems that unlock real performance. We break down the five-principle framework he developed with his co-author, Nelson Repenning, an MIT PhD, MIT Sloan professor, and leading expert in operations and systems thinking, for building operational excellence: solving the right problem, structuring for di...

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This week on The Wall Street Skinny, we kick off discussing gold ripping to record highs and unpack why that’s happening in a still-high-rate world: sticky inflation keeping real yields muted, central-bank buying, safe-haven demand, and a dash of retail frenzy. We also poke holes in the “25/25/25/25” portfolio meme (equities/bonds/cash/gold) and talk through why allocation can’t be one-size-fits-all—age, goals, and cash-flow needs matter.

Then we dive into First Brands’ Chapter 11 and the alleged “Enron-style” shenanigans behind $2.3B of vanishing assets. We explain collateral, receivables/inventory financing, why o...

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What does it really mean to be a "quant investor"? How do quantitative strategies fit into a modern portfolio? And what does it take to break into a quant investing career path?

In this episode, we sat down with Stacie Mintz, Head of Quantitative Equity at PGIM (one of the world's largest asset managers, with $1.4tr in AUM). Stacie's team oversees $60bn in quantitative equity strategies, and she joins us to break down what quant investing is, how it differs from other investment philosophies, what the role of human oversight is...

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Two days into a government shutdown, we break down what it actually means for markets when key data go dark—like today’s missing non-farm payrolls—and how that uncertainty can ricochet through trading desks, air travel, the SEC/IPO pipeline, and year-end seasonals. We walk through the historical playbook (rates, dollar, risk) and how we’re thinking about positioning when the Fed is flying with fewer instruments.

Then we unpack the freshly announced largest-ever LBO and stack it up against 2007’s TXU: equity checks vs. leverage, private credit’s outsized role, and wh...

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This week on The Skinny on Wall Street, Kristin and Jen tackle three headlines where markets and policy collide. First up: Trump’s call to shift public companies from quarterly to semi-annual earnings reporting. We lay out the real trade-offs—less bureaucracy and “short-termism” pressure for management vs. reduced transparency, potential for more volatility, and what this could mean for big-cap names vs. smaller issuers.

Next, we unpack Trump’s proposed H-1B changes, a steep annual sponsorship fee that could reshape hiring in finance, tech, medi...

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The day after the FOMC’s first rate cut of 2025, we sat down with Matt Hornbach, Global Head of Macro Strategy at Morgan Stanley, to unpack what the decision really meant, and what the markets maybe got wrong on first read. Matt talks about the shifting dissenters, how updates to the Summary of Economic Projections present a more complicated picture for the future path of rate cuts, and why Powell’s tone at the presser felt at odds with the statement itself.

We also dig into the Fed’s often...

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This week on The Wall Street Skinny, we sat down with Gene Tannuzzo, Global Head of Fixed Income at Columbia Threadneedle, right as the Federal Reserve’s latest rate decision hit the wires. We walk through the live market reaction to the Fed’s 25 basis point cut, the dissenting voices on the FOMC, and what this move signals about the central bank’s shifting priorities. For those curious about how policy decisions ripple into real-time trading activity, this episode gives you a rare seat at the table during the announcement itself.

As Gen...

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Kristen and Jen dive into the real-life Succession drama unfolding inside the Murdoch family, breaking down the legal battle over the Fox and News Corp trust that controls the family’s Class B super-voting shares. They explain how Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch secured a deal to buy out their siblings at a discount, why dual-class share structures matter for corporate control, and how this settlement resolves questions around long-term leadership of Fox Corp. The hosts connect it back to valuation, governance, and even their own courses, showing how the Disney–Fox transaction and the...

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Alex Rodriguez is not only one of the greatest players in Major League Baseball history, 22 seasons, 14 All-Star selections, and three American League MVP award, but also the founder and CEO of A-Rod Corp. Through A-Rod Corp, he has built a diversified platform across three pillars: sports, real estate, and venture capital. His portfolio spans ownership of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, more than $2 billion invested in multifamily and other real estate, and over 60 venture investments in technology, fitness, media, and consumer brands.

In this episode, Rodriguez explains how his interest in...

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In this week’s episode of The Wall Street Skinny, Kristen and Jen return to one of their favorite formats: dissecting the finance lessons hidden inside pop culture. This time, they take on Moneyball, a Michael Lewis classic that at first glance looks like a baseball story, but in reality is a masterclass in statistics, valuation, and market inefficiencies. Far more than just a sports narrative, Moneyball is about how disciplined analysis and data-driven decision-making can disrupt entrenched orthodoxy, whether on Wall Street or on the baseball field.

Kristen and Jen br...

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In this emergency episode of The Skinny on Wall Street, Kristen and Jen dive into the breaking news that President Trump has moved to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over accusations of mortgage fraud. Using this moment as a springboard, they break down the fundamentals of how the Fed works, why its independence is so important, and how politics intersects with monetary policy.

The discussion covers the structure of the Federal Reserve System, the difference between Governors and Presidents, and how the powerful Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) sets interest...

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In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, Jen unpacks an overlooked risk brewing beneath the surface of financial markets. Why did Jerome Powell, head of the Fed, deliver such a surprisingly “dovish” speech at Jackson Hole? Jen suggests it may be because he sees this liquidity problem coming. 

Looking ahead, Kristen and Jen walk listeners through what to watch: not just whether the Fed cuts rates in September (they signaled pretty strongly that is coming) but also whether regulators adjust rules to make it easier for banks to hold Treasuries. Both...

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This week on The Skinny on Wall Street, Kristen and Jen dive into the resurgence of SPACs and yes, Chamath Palihapitiya, the once-dubbed “SPAC King,” is back with a brand-new deal. We unpack what a SPAC really is, why they exploded in 2020, changes in the new structures and more. From warrants and dilution to sponsor “promotes” and fee double-dips, we break down the mechanics in plain English and debate whether this latest wave feels like opportunity or déjà vu all over again.

Alongside the SPAC talk, we zoom out to explore wh...

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Worried AI will take your Investment Banking job? There's no avoiding AI these days, so how do you understand it, use it to your advantage, and outperform it in Investment Banking and high finance roles?

We asked our community for their toughest questions about the future of finance careers in the age of AI, and sat down for 30 minutes with former Blackhawk helicopter pilot and 30-year Wall Street veteran Frank Van Buren to give you our real answers, LIVE.

In this live session, we answered the questions:
-  W...

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This week, Kristen and Jen dive straight into the finance headlines with a M&A story: Perplexity, an AI startup valued at $18 billion, has made a $34 billion all-cash bid for Google Chrome. Kristen unpacks why this is virtually unprecedented in dealmaking, explaining how the size mismatch, lack of financing capacity, and Chrome’s not-for-sale status make the offer so unusual. They revisit the AOL–Time Warner merger as the closest (though still imperfect) precedent and debate whether this might be the “canary in the coal mine” for overheated AI valuations.

Jen follows...

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In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, Kristen and Jen sit down with Professor Emily Oster, a Harvard-educated economist with a PhD and a faculty position at Brown University where her studies focus on approaches to finding causality in observational data, as well as the best-selling author of "Expecting Better", "Crib Sheet", and "The Family Firm". Oster is known for her data-driven approach to pregnancy and parenting. The conversation centers on the theme of “good data” vs. “bad data”, how flawed methodologies or biased sampling can lead to misleading conclusions in everything from pub...

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In this episode of the unofficial companion podcast to HBO Max's hit show, Industry, hosts Jen and Kristen dive deep into the financial intricacies and dramatic moments of Season 3, Episode 2 titled 'Smoke and Mirrors.' 

They kick off the discussion by analyzing the thematic significance of 'Smoke and Mirrors,' tying it to both magic tricks and the episode's plot centered around deception and storytelling in the finance world. They recount how the episode unfolds at the London Stock Exchange with the IPO of Henry Muck's green energy company, Lummi, caught i...

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This week on The Skinny on Wall Street, Kristen and Jen are back in full swing with a jam-packed episode covering some of the biggest stories in markets and finance. They kick things off by diving deep into the highly anticipated Figma IPO, which just priced and shocked the market with an incredible first-day reaction. They break down why the IPO was such a blockbuster, how it compares to other historic tech listings, and what this means for the broader IPO market in 2025.

From there, they unpack the newly...

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In this week’s episode of The Skinny on Wall Street, Kristen and Jen break down the latest wave of meme stock mania and what it reveals about market sentiment. They dive into Opendoor and other “DORK” stocks (Krispy Kreme, Opendoor, Kohl’s, etc.), explaining how short squeezes and retail investor hype have driven massive price swings despite weak fundamentals. The conversation also unpacks the housing market’s current dynamics—record-high home prices, the impact of higher mortgage rates, and why real estate inventory levels are starting to shift.

The hosts then turn th...

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This week on The Skinny On, Kristen and Jen power through illness, time zone chaos, and toddler wrangling to bring you a jam-packed episode to break down two major consumer deals: Ferrero’s $3.1B offer for Kellogg and the possible Heinz Kraft breakup. They explain why these legacy food brand split up, the logic behind reverse mergers and spin offs, and how wellness trends are shaping the M&A landscape.

They also revisit the Kraft-Heinz saga—from Kraft’s origins as a Philip Morris spinoff to its Cadbury takeover, spin off breaki...

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In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, we're back with fan-favorite guest Justin Resnick, Managing Director at Evercore, for a deep dive into the evolving world of private equity secondaries. This follow-on to our original “Secondaries 101” episode goes beyond the basics to explore how LP- and GP-led transactions are shaping today's deal landscape. With volatility still roiling the IPO and M&A markets, secondaries have become a vital tool for investors to unlock liquidity—and Justin walks us through the key innovations and trends driving this $200 billion+ market.

We get into e...

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In this long-awaited episode of The Wall Street Skinny, we’re breaking down Real Estate Private Equity with Lauren Hochfelder, Managing Director and Co-CEO of Morgan Stanley Real Estate Investing. If you’ve ever wondered what real estate investing looks like at the institutional level — beyond flipping houses or buying rental properties — this is your 101 primer. 

We dive into the nuances that make this asset class unique. Real estate is both macro and hyper-local, driven by long-term demographic shifts and on-the-ground intel from developers and market specialists. Lauren explains what it m...

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In this episode we delve into the intricate world of finance depicted in the Season 3 premiere, "Il Mattino Ha L’Oro in Bocca" breaking down the complexities behind the IPO process, how pricing works and setting "price talk", the IPO discount and more. We also touch on some key corporate finance concepts including leverage ratios, net debt, and finally touch on the power and electricity markets, specifically the influence of natural gas on the profitability for solar companies that sell electricity like the fictional Lumi. We also explore the regulatory landscape of public co...

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In this episode, we sit down with Sonia Gupta, Partner and Co-Head of Biotech Investment Banking at Goldman Sachs. Sonia walks us through her unique journey—from studying public health at Brown, to working in healthcare consulting, to getting her MBA at MIT, and ultimately climbing the ranks at Goldman to become a senior leader advising some of the most innovative biotech companies in the world. We dive deep into what it’s like to enter banking post-MBA, how her academic background shaped her approach to the job, and why healthcare—particularly biotech—is such...

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In this episode, we break down the finance behind the Industry Season 2 finale—and without exaggerating, this might be our favorite episode yet. There was so much to dig into, starting with the trade that the whole season built toward: Jesse Bloom’s long Rican / short FastAid position.

Because the episode references the legendary trade where “Soros broke the Bank of England” in 1992, we also break down that wild real-life story—something anyone aspiring to work on Wall Street should know. That leads us into a deeper discussion on how hedge funds can...

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In this episode, we sit down with Olga Gorodetsky, a Director in Capital Markets at Fannie Mae, for an in-depth conversation about the role of Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) in the U.S. housing finance system. Olga walks us through the history and mission of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, explaining how these institutions provide liquidity and stability to the mortgage market. We explore how mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are created, who trades them, and why they are essential to the broader financial ecosystem. Olga also offers a clear explanation of what happened during the 2008...

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Wondering if you need the CFA to break into banking? Curious what the SIE is, or whether a CPA helps you land a role in private equity? You're not alone—exam questions are by far the most common DMs we get. So in this episode, we finally break it all down.

We’re joined by Joyce Schnur, Senior VP at Kaplan, who walks us through the differences between licensing (SIE, Series 7, 63, 79) and credentials (CFA, CPA, CFP, CAIA), who actually needs them, and how they impact your...

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We’re back and breaking down Season 2, Episode 7 of Industry: “Lone Wolf and Cub.” This one is dense with real finance concepts—starting with Harper, Eric, and Rishi's attempt to “hit a bid away” and pitch themselves as a ready-made desk to rival firms. We get into how traders actually get paid, why comp guarantees are risky, and what it means to bring “client color” as your leverage in a job switch. Plus: why Rishi’s pitch as a prop-style trader who embraces client flow is more old school than it sounds—and why that still matte...

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In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, we sit down with Scott Bok, Chairman and former CEO of Greenhill & Co. and author of Surviving Wall Street: A Tale of Triumph, Tragedy and Timing. Scott shares stories from his remarkable career journey—from big law at Wachtell Lipton to investment banking at Morgan Stanley, to ultimately leading one of the most respected elite boutiques on Wall Street. We talk through the rise of the elite boutique model, the decision to go public, and why Greenhill ultimately sold to Mizuho—plus Scott’s candid take o...

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We’re thrilled to welcome Congressman Seth Magaziner — a longtime friend from our high school and college days — for a conversation about the intersection of finance, policy, and politics. We break down the proposed tax bill currently moving through Congress, the state of U.S. debt and deficits, and insider trading laws for elected officials, and Seth’s background in finance and public service working as the youngest treasurer of Rhode Island for 8 years.

We dive into the details of the proposed $5 trillion tax cuts, $2 trillion spending cuts, and the projected $3–5 trillion i...

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In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, Kristen and Jen kick announce the launch of their long-awaited M&A course, part of their dynamic, story-driven finance curriculum. They discuss how the course, two years in the making, blends real-world technicals with the drama of HBO’s Succession, making complex M&A concepts like accretion/dilution, deferred taxes, and tax structuring both engaging and accessible. They also announce a major May SALE on their self-paced course, see the links below to participate!

From there, the conversation dives deep into the latest ma...

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This week we start off talking about what's happening in the markets: the latest GDP print—and why the headline number being down isn’t quite as simple as it sounds. We unpack the mechanics behind the contraction, including how tariff-fueled inventory surges and net import dynamics played a role. We also dive into real-time supply chain stress, from container ships skipping ports to what that means for everything from baby gear to air conditioning parts. If you're confused by the mixed signals from the market (like why stocks are back at pre-tariff leve...

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In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, we explore the escalating tension between former President Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell, how markets reacted, and what it reveals about the importance of central bank independence. Jen also breaks down "Operation Twist"—a lesser-known but powerful Fed tool—and explains how it differs from traditional rate cuts or quantitative easing.

Next, we turn to the U.S. dollar, which recently hit a three-year low. Why does a falling dollar matter, and how does it impact everything from inflation to global trade dyna...

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This week, we break down the tension between Jerome Powell and Donald Trump—and what it actually means for monetary policy. If you listened to Powell’s latest remarks at the Economic Club of Chicago, you may not have thought much of it, but anyone knows how to decode the Fed’s deliberately vague words noticed unmistakably hawkish tone. We explain how to read between the lines of Fed speak, what it really means when the Fed prioritizes price stability over growth. We also get into why Trumps remarks on Truth Social led some t...

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There has been some speculation that the reason for "chaos in the bond markets" isn't loss of confidence in the US but rather the result of an unwind in "the basis trade" leading hedge funds to blow up and causing yield spreads to widen. To explore this theory we need to get super granular. 

We go deep into the relationship between cash bonds, futures, and interest rate swaps—and explain why so many market participants prefer the derivatives over buying Treasuries outright. We also walk through how structural leverage, repo financing, and...

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This week on The Wall Street Skinny, we’re diving headfirst into one of the most volatile weeks in recent memory—and we brought backup. After a whiplash-inducing reversal in the bond and equity markets, Jen and Kristen break down how the tariff announcements are rippling through rates, treasury auctions, and investor sentiment. From the Fed’s shrinking balance sheet to the rising fear that the U.S. may be losing its “flight to quality” status, we unpack what’s really happening beneath the headlines—and why the bond market might be the biggest canary...

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This week on The Wall Street Skinny, we dive headfirst into the chaos that’s been roiling the markets—and specifically why what's happening in the bond market has investors spooked. Treasury auctions, bond yields, the dollar, and gold are all flashing red, and we break down exactly why. Kristen turns the mic to Jen, who spent nearly a decade on the interest rates desk at Morgan Stanley, Lehman, and Barclays, for an explainer on what exactly is going on in the bond markets and what it means.

We unpack the mech...

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Markets are in chaos, which is why on this week’s episode Kristen and Jen ditch the interviews to break down what the hell is happening in markets right now. From tariffs to the dollar and everything in between, we’re unpacking the massive moves in equities, the near-trigger of the circuit breaker, and what April 2nd — aka "Liberation Day" — really means.

We dive deep into the economic mechanics behind tariffs — what they are, how they work, and why they’re suddenly wreaking havoc. Jen gives a mini masterclass on the history of U...

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It's our special 150th episode!! We’re reuniting with billionaire investor and CEO David Adelman (whom you may remember from our “Sports Investing 101” episode) for a deep dive into his multifaceted empire and brilliant business acumen. 

David’s story is the stuff of legend. After making his first real estate investment with his bar mitzvah money at the age of 13, David ultimately rose to become CEO of Campus Apartments, followed by FS Investments and Darco Capital.  

First, David walks us through the key principles of investing in commercial real estate.  H...

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Join hosts Jen and Kristen on The Wall Street Skinny for an insightful exploration of wealth management, as they sit down with Susan Moffatt, co-founder of Curated Wealth Partners, who expertly unpacks the intriguing differences between independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and prestigious wirehouses like JP Morgan and UBS.

Susan provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the multifamily office model and private wealth management, sharing her personal journey and extensive industry experience. Learn firsthand what managing ultra-high-net-worth clients truly involves, from intricate asset allocations to bespoke financial planning strategies. She also...

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Shop our Self Paced Courses:

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Wealthfront.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 ac...

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In this episode, we sit down with Brian Kelly, aka The Points Guy, to break down the basics of optimizing your credit card strategy, especially for finance professionals and consultants who travel frequently, entertain clients, or rack up significant corporate expenses.

We dive deep into:

 ✅ Choosing the Right Credit Card: The best cards for maximizing points on travel, dining, and business expenses—and why cash-back cards might not be your best bet.

✅ Making Your Corporate Travel Work for You: How to strateg...

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Join us as we dive deep into the world of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) with our guest, Jesse Safir, President of ABG Print. In this episode, finance enthusiasts and budding entrepreneurs will find a treasure trove of insights about search funds, self-funded searches, and the nitty-gritty of buying and operating a small business. Jesse shares his journey from being an investment analyst to becoming the President of a printing company, shedding light on the decision-making process, the importance of due diligence, and the challenges encountered along the way.

Discover the intricacies...

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In this episode, we break down Season 2, Episode 6: "Short to the point of pain". The plot centers around FastAid, a company caught in the middle of a short squeeze reminiscent of GameStop’s 2021 rally. We analyze the mechanics of short selling, how hedge funds and institutional traders manage risk in volatile positions, and why liquidity and market perception play crucial roles in determining price action. The episode highlights how traders react to crowded short positions and the ways in which misreads on positioning can lead to significant losses. The discussion also touches on ma...

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In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, we sit down with one of the most legendary quant investors of all time—Pete Muller. As the founder of PDT Partners,  one of the top performing quantitative hedge funds that spun out of Morgan Stanley, Pete shares his fascinating journey. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at how statistical arbitrage strategies drive market success, the importance of building a strong research-driven team, and why trust and collaboration are essential in quantitative finance.

Beyond the trading floor, Pete’s story takes unexpected turns. From high...

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Season 2, Episode 5 titled Kitchen Season, kicks off with a discussion on the intricacies of investment banking promotions, specifically focusing on the elusive Managing Director (MD) title. Kristen and Jen explore how promotions in finance are not linear and often depend on numerous factors including firm politics, desk performance, and the candidate's rockstar qualities. They dissect Rishi’s predicament, comparing the rapid ascent of star traders versus those who languish in executive director roles for years.

The conversation then shifts to the critical implications of mergers and acquisitions, highlighting a potential Amazon an...

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In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, we are beyond thrilled to welcome the incredible Karen Karniol-Tambour, Co-Chief Investment Officer of Bridgewater, the world's largest hedge fund. Karen is one of the most powerful and influential figures in finance today, regularly featured on Barron’s and Forbes' most influential lists. We recorded this conversation live at Global Alts, diving deep into market concentration risk, the evolving role of active vs. passive investing, and the implications of groundbreaking AI advancements like DeepSeek. Karen’s insights into macro investing, the S&P 500’s increasing tech d...

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In this jam-packed episode of the Unofficial Companion Podcast to HBO Max's Industry, we dive into Season 2, Episode 4, There Are Some Women. This week, we delve into the nuanced depiction of compensation negotiations, or "comp season," exploring the implications of Harper's bonus reveal and the significance of her $25 million contribution to PeerPoint. What does it mean to be "paid at the upper end of the band"? And why do analysts and associates have their bonuses capped, even when they deliver exceptional results? We also touch on the regulatory requirement of "mandatory two-week vacations"...

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In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, Jen and Kristen dive deep into sports investing. They discuss the structural shifts driving new opportunities, including changes in private equity rules that now allow institutional players to invest in NFL teams. They also break down the cash flow mechanics behind major leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB—revealing why some leagues are financial juggernauts while others face stark disparities between high and low earners.

The discussion continues with key insights on revenue-sharing models, salary caps, and the differences in local vs. na...

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In this episode, we dive deep into HBO Max's hit show Industry Season 2, Episode 3, titled "The Fool." We unpack the intricate financial concepts and ethical dilemmas that drive the plot, exploring topics like block trades, private placements, proxy votes, insider trading, and more.

We break down the logistics of block trades—massive transactions conducted outside public markets to minimize disruption—and how they differ from private placements, where securities are sold directly to strategic investors. With a focus on Jesse Bloom's 42% stake in RYKAN, we anal...

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As a follow-up to our prior conversations about finance and love, we sat down with celebrity divorce attorney Kristina Royce to delve further into the intersection of finances and relationships. 

We address questions that even some of the best minds in high finance may not know the answer to, like:

- is common law marriage real?

- what are the advantages and disadvantages to getting married and divorced in specific states?

- how are alimony and child support determined?

 - when do I ne...

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In 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 i...

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In 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, fo...

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In 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...

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Shop our Self Paced Courses:

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In 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...

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In 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 ma...

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This 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 ex...

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In 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...

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In 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 s...

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In 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...

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Welcome to 2025!

In this episode of "The Skinny On...", we catch up on all our holiday activities before diving right into current financial topics.

Today we cover the Nordstrom take-private, the debate regarding H1-B visa cap removals and the potential impact on the tech industry, and Barclays firing bankers & traders without bonuses before Christmas.

We also count down our favorite things from 2024 and predictions for 2025, before sharing our conversation with Neil Blundell from the CAIS Summit discussing the latest exciting fintech innovations in alternative investments and...

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2024 has been an incredible year, and we are so grateful for the support of all our listeners!!

But what can we expect in 2025? Today, we shift our focus to the new year with special guest Marta Norton, Chief Investment Strategist at Empower. 

Marta shares her insights on the recent Federal Reserve meeting, market expectations, economic trends, potential recession indicators, and the impacts of AI on the tech sector. We discuss equity valuations, the increased interest in private markets, and the ongoing debate around fiscal policy and government debt. 
Duration: 00:50:36

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In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, we delve  into the world of angel investing. Joined by Matt Naylor and Max Valverde, co-founders of the Milkless podcast, the discussion explores the essentials of evaluating investment opportunities, the importance of liquidity preferences, and the risks and rewards associated with angel investing. Max, a seasoned investor and successful entrepreneur, shares his insightful experiences on what to look for in potential investments, emphasizing the significance of a strong team and clear exit strategies.

Listeners are guided through critical concepts such as venture debt, t...

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In this episode of "The Skinny on Wall Street", your hosts Kristen and Jen dive deep into the latest financial developments. They kick things off with a comprehensive analysis of the Federal Reserve's recent rate cut, discussing its immediate impact on the market, what quantitative tightening means in an easing cycle, and the surprising hawkish tone from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. The discussion also touches on the implications of policy shifts and the potential for future rate hikes in 2025, offering listeners a nuanced breakdown of market reactions and the intricacies of monetary policy.<...

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In this episode, we dissect the various finance mechanics depicted in HBO Max's Industry Season 1, Episode 6 (Nutcracker). We explore the depiction of holiday parties on Wall Street and discuss why Eric's unconventional decision to give Harper her year-end bonus early not only doesn't make sense, but the numbers are crazy in light of the fact that it should be a stub. We also delve into the complex relationship dynamics at Pierpoint, from the pressures of client entertainment to the interaction between sales desks and endowments like Harvard's.

We scrutinize the ethical...

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In this episode we are joined by Enis Taner, a seasoned professional in the field with nearly two decades of experience. He breaks down everything we want to know about being an equities derivatives trader, from the day-to-day responsibilities of an options trader to the differences in work culture between major financial hubs like New York City and Houston.  Enis provides a comprehensive look at the career paths available in equity sales and trading.

The discussion also covers the evolving landscape of equity markets, the role of market makers, and the i...

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On this episode of 'The Wall Street Skinny' we delve into two failed acquisitions, starting first with the failed Mondelez-Hershey deal. We get into the structure of Hershey's voting shares, the history of Kraft and Cadbury's contentious acquisition, and the strategic implications of consolidating consumer goods giants. Learn about the rationale behind mergers, the hurdles they face, and the implications for shareholders and market dynamics.

We also share our thoughts on the recent hawk tuah girl meme coin debacle, and chat about the stark contrasts between the heavily regulated world of...

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In this episode of the unofficial companion podcast for HBO Max's hit show 'Industry,' we dive deep into the financial intricacies of Season 1, Episode 5. Join Jen and Kristen as they break down the implications of an Italian Brexit and explore how jargon like 'Brexit' has evolved within financial circles. We also delve into the challenges and nuances of bonus structures, discussing the impacts of deferred compensation and stock-based bonuses on Wall Street professionals, with real-life insights from Jen and Kristen's own careers in finance.

The episode unravels the complexities of...

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This episode features Frank Van Buren, a former Blackhawk helicopter pilot and U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer, who shares his journey from the military to a 26-year career in investment banking at Wells Fargo. Frank offers valuable insights on leveraging military experience in finance and provides advice for veterans and older individuals transitioning to investment banking. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling, aligning career choices with personal strengths, and getting creative to overcome job market challenges. Frank also discusses his new book, "Lessons from the Cockpit", and announces an upcoming seminar designed...

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In this episode of The Skinny On, we discuss MicroStrategy's recent issuance of $3nn of convertible debt as part of a plan to raise $42nn to buy Bitcoin, as well as the disastrous block trade Citi underwrote for Goodman Group. 

We start by talking about converts in general, diving into the difference between convertible debt, convertible preferred, and mandatory converts, including their pros and cons for investors and issuers.

We then get into the terms of the MicroStrategy convert --- not only discussing why it's so extreme, but also W...

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In this episode, Kristen and Jen delve deep Season 1 episode 4 of HBO Max's Hit show, "Industry". 

They kick things off by breaking down the significance of the non-farm payrolls report and its sweeping impact on various market instruments like bonds, stocks, gold, and the dollar. They dissect Harper’s misbooked cable trade and explore the severe repercussions it has on both her career and the firm's PNL (Profit and Loss). From discussions on exchange rates, jobless claims, and the Federal Reserve's dual mandate, listeners get a comprehensive summary of real-world finance mec...

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In this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, we dive deeper into the world of private credit with our exceptional guest, Alona Gornick. Alona, a senior investment strategist and managing director at Churchill Asset Management, shares her invaluable insights on the evolving landscape of direct lending, the intricate structure of private credit deals, and why this asset class continues to grow in prominence. 

With a career background in investment banking (specifically the gaming sector), high yield bond investing and private placements, Alona demystifies t...

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In this episode we delve into episode three of HBO Max's hit show, 'Industry,'. We walk through Harper's cross-asset trade idea involving puts on the homebuilders index, calls on gold, and credit default swaps (CDS), and her interactions with bosses Daria and Eric and use it to discuss mentorship on Wall Street. We further use the show as an excuse to explain sales credits, trade executions, and correlation trades.

We get into workplace politics and the often-blurred lines between personal and professional relationships, highlighting Gus and Robert's varying strategies to...

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Does what you wear to work on Wall Street matter? How much? Why? What exactly are you supposed to wear, anyway? 

Who makes those decisions? And how can you express your personal style in a way that elevates your career?

In this inspiring conversation with former finance PR specialist-turned-fashion-founder Kerry O'Brien, the CEO of Commando, we learn how to navigate all of these questions in a fun, freeing way.

Kerry gives us insight into her innovative, technology-forward approach to fashion, her personal philosophy about taking risk, and h...

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Nearly every thought leader we’ve spoken to in the finance industry has struggled with imposter syndrome at some point in their career.

Not Michele Trogni.  We had the fabulous opportunity to sit down with Michele at the CAIS Summit, where she explains how she learned early not to be encumbered by the expectations of others, to be emboldened by preparing for the unexpected, and to only pursue that which genuinely interested her.  

Michele started her career leading technology in the banking world, and is now CEO...