Market Maker
The AmplifyME Market Maker Podcast makes finance fun and easy to understand. Hosted by LinkedIn Top Voice Anthony Cheung and trader-turned-founder Piers Curran, each week they break down the biggest market stories and trends shaping the global economy. Get real insight, boost your commercial awareness, and learn how markets really work, with top guests from leading banks, hedge funds, and asset managers sharing their career journeys and invaluable advice.
Episodes
Why the Fed Is Raising Rates Again | What Happens Next?
The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the first time in three years, with Fed Chair Kevin Warsh delivering a unanimous 25 basis point hike as inflation once again becomes the dominant concern for financial markets.In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down why the Fed decided to hike, what Warsh means by “removing accommodation”, and why the decision could be an import
Investment Banking Interview Prep: The M&A Deals You Need to Know in 2026
Application season is underway, and if you’re targeting investment banking, understanding what’s actually happening in M&A can give you a real advantage in interviews.In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett break down the huge resurgence in global dealmaking in 2026, why mega-deals are dominating, which sectors and banks are benefiting, and how interest rates, AI and valuations are
Is Inflation Coming Back? Why Oil, Food Prices & Interest Rates Are Rising
Oil is back above $100 a barrel, food prices are climbing and central banks are once again facing pressure to raise interest rates. Is the world heading towards a second wave of inflation?In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran explain why the latest inflation threat goes far beyond the headline oil price. China is returning to the crude market just as conflict continues to disrupt global
Why Nvidia Just Paid $12.9 Billion for Hugging Face | The Business of AI
Nvidia has agreed to acquire Hugging Face for $12.9 billion, paying around 86x revenue for one of the most important platforms in open-source AI.In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett break down what Hugging Face actually does, why Nvidia wants it, and how the deal fits into Jensen Huang’s wider strategy to control more of the AI ecosystem.We look at Huggin
Can Governments Really Control Financial Markets? | FX Intervention Explained (JPY, CHF, USD)
Can governments really control financial markets, or can they simply delay the inevitable?Japan has spent nearly $100 billion trying to support the yen, with the US taking the extraordinary step of joining the intervention. But despite the firepower, the forces driving the currency, interest rate differentials, the carry trade and Japan’s economic fundamentals, haven’t simply disappeared.In this e
Stripe’s $7.5 Billion AI Bet: Why It Just Bought OpenRouter
Stripe has just made one of the biggest AI acquisitions yet, buying OpenRouter for around $7.5 billion — a company that was valued at just $1.3 billion only months earlier. So what exactly is Stripe buying, and why has OpenRouter become so valuable so quickly?In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett break down OpenRouter’s extraordinary rise, how its platform
China’s Robot IPO Boom & India’s Biggest IPO Ever Explained
The global IPO market is roaring back but some of the most interesting action isn’t happening on Wall Street.In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett take a whistle-stop tour of the global IPO boom, from China’s extraordinary robotics race and Hong Kong’s growing pipeline of AI listings to what could become the biggest IPO in India’s history.We break down why
The Business of Boeing: How Did It Go So Wrong?
Boeing is back in the spotlight following the release of Netflix’s new documentary Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing. But beyond the safety failures and scandals, there’s another important story: how does Boeing actually work as a business?In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down the economics behind one of the world’s most important companies. How does Boeing make money? Why can
SpaceX’s 40% Rally Explained | Inside Apollo’s £5.7bn EasyJet Deal
SpaceX shares have surged nearly 40% from their recent lows, despite fears that its unusual staggered lock-up structure would unleash a wave of selling. So what actually happened?Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett break down how IPO lock-ups work, why SpaceX’s tiny public float matters and how retail buying, index funds and a potential short squeeze helped drive the rebound.We also return to EasyJ
The $500 Billion AI Debt Machine & The Great CapEx Test
Nvidia, CoreWeave and Wall Street are pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into AI infrastructure. But how does the financial machine behind the AI boom actually work and where are the risks?In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran unpack CoreWeave’s extraordinary growth and $100bn+ revenue backlog, Nvidia’s role at the centre of the AI ecosystem, and the hug
Why Sainsbury's Sold Argos (It's Not What You Think)
Why would Sainsbury's sell one of Britain's best-known retailers for a fraction of what it originally paid?In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett break down the sale of Argos and explain why the headline tells only part of the story. Was this a disastrous investment, or a smart strategic decision? They explore how corporate strategy, private equity
The AI Hedge Fund That Blew Up | The Situational Awareness Story
A 22-year-old former OpenAI researcher built one of the hottest AI-focused hedge funds on Wall Street, generated extraordinary returns, then watched it unravel in spectacular fashion after a leveraged bet went wrong. Citadel stepped in to buy the portfolio, markets rebounded, and the episode raised important questions about AI investing, risk management and whether today's market is repeating
The AI Investment Playbook: Who Wins Next & Where the Money Goes
Artificial intelligence is changing the world, but who will actually make the money?In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we explore the AI investment ecosystem to understand where value is really being created. From OpenAI and Anthropic to Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon, we break down the business models, investment strategies and competitive dynamics shaping the next phase
The World of Corporate Banking Explained
In this episode, Stephen discusses the often misunderstood field of corporate banking, highlighting its significance within the financial services industry. He explains the core functions of corporate banking, the career paths available, and the technical skills required for success in this area. Whether you're considering a career in corporate banking or just want to understand its impact, th
The Hidden Business of Sport: Why NFL Teams Are Worth Billions
Why would anyone spend $9.6 billion buying an NFL team?This week, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett break down the record-breaking sale of the Seattle Seahawks and explain why owning a sports franchise has become one of the world's most attractive investments.From guaranteed TV revenues and billion-dollar media rights to stadium economics, private equity, and surprising tax advantages, they u
What Does Andy Burnham Mean for the Economy & Markets?
Five days into office, Andy Burnham is already facing the same question every UK Prime Minister eventually encounters: who really controls the economy?In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down Burnham's first economic policies, why rising gilt yields matter far more than political headlines, and what investors should really be watching ahead of the Autumn Budget.They revisit
Sky Buys ITV for £1.6BN | Reformation's IPO Explained
Wall Street isn't the only place where billion-dollar deals are happening.This week, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett break down ITV's agreement to sell its television and streaming business to Comcast, the owner of Sky, and explain why this is far more than just another media acquisition. They explore how investment banks advise on transformational M&A deals, why companies separate
The AI Bubble Is Powering EVERYTHING (Bank Earnings, US CPI, SpaceX)
Wall Street has just posted one of its strongest quarters in history.The world's biggest banks delivered record profits as trading desks, investment banking and wealth management all fired at the same time. But with Jamie Dimon warning that conditions are "nearly as good as it gets", is this a peak or just the beginning of an even bigger cycle?In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Pier
Why Private Equity Wants to Buy easyJet | How Investment Bankers Value Airlines
This week on Market Maker, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett break down the £5.7 billion bidding war for easyJet and explain why private equity firms are suddenly competing to buy one of Europe's best-known airlines.Using the deal as a case study, they explore how investment bankers value airline businesses, why easyJet became an attractive takeover target, and what students can learn about m
US-Iran Ceasefire Unravels, the Fed's New Playbook and Apple's $30bn Broadcom Deal
Oil is up but stocks aren't blinking, so why has the market gone numb to the Strait of Hormuz standoff between the US and Iran? Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down the real reason traders are shrugging off the latest flare-up, why Trump wants oil prices low ahead of the midterms, and what Iran's grip on the Strait actually means for shipping. Then, new Fed chairman Kevin Walsh is te
OpenAI IPO Delayed? Lime Bikes & the Biggest IPO Stories Explained
Is OpenAI delaying its IPO, and why has it reportedly discussed giving the US government a 5% stake? In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett break down one of the biggest stories in finance and technology before exploring the latest IPOs shaping global markets. From Bending Spoons' blockbuster listing and Lime's stock market debut to Oman's large
How to Build Mental Toughness and Resilience | James Golding Cancer Survivor, Endurance Cyclist & World Record Holder
What does it take to keep going when things get tough?In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung is joined by endurance cyclist, two-time cancer survivor and motivational speaker James Golding for a conversation about resilience, mental toughness and performing under pressure. While James has completed some of the world's toughest endurance challenges, this isn't a podcast
Goldman Sachs Breaks M&A Records | Investment Banking Boom | Snap's $120B Collapse
Goldman Sachs has advised on more than $1 trillion of mergers and acquisitions in record time, highlighting the return of blockbuster dealmaking. We explain what's driving the surge in investment banking activity, why AI is fuelling both M&A and IPOs, and what it means for markets.We also break down the growing crisis at Thames Water, why nationalisation is back on the table, and how years
SpaceX $25 Billion Bond Deal, Micron Earnings & UK Political Crisis Explained
SpaceX raised $86 billion in its IPO then borrowed another $25 billion from the bond markets days later. Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down the financial engineering behind the deal, what a BAA1 credit rating means, and why Elon Musk is playing a completely different game to everyone else.Micron just posted EBITDA up 15x year-on-year with gross margins jumping from 39% to 85%. We unpack wh
Why SpaceX Paid $60 Billion for AI Startup Cursor
Why would a company generating less than $20 billion in annual revenue spend $60 billion acquiring an AI coding startup?In this episode of AmplifyME Market Maker, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett take a deep dive into SpaceX's blockbuster acquisition of Cursor and explore the strategy behind one of the most talked-about deals in markets. They break down how Cursor went from startup to a $60
Debt Capital Markets (DCM) Explained
In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Debt Capital Markets, a crucial yet often overlooked business function within major investment banks like J.P. Morgan, Bank of America, and Citi.Join us as we demystify DCM, explaining its unique role within investment banking divisions and the essential personality traits that make individuals well-suited to this area of finance. From structuring bond offe
How AI Is Changing Investment Banking Jobs | The Future of M&A Careers
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing investment banking, but what does that actually mean for M&A professionals and students looking to break into the industry?In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett explore how AI is being used across mergers and acquisitions, from deal sourcing and due diligence to financial modelling and research. They discuss
US CPI, ECB Rate Hikes & The Political Risk Facing UK Markets
The SpaceX IPO has captured the world's attention, but away from the headlines there are some major macroeconomic developments investors should be watching.In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down the latest US inflation report, discuss whether the Federal Reserve may avoid further rate hikes despite inflation rising to 4.2%, and analyse why the E
OpenAI’s IPO Filing Explained | SpaceX IPO Update
The AI IPO race is heating up.In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down the latest developments surrounding the SpaceX IPO and OpenAI’s confidential S1 filing to the SEC.We discuss Goldman Sachs’ huge growth forecasts for SpaceX, the surge in retail investor demand, and why Elon Musk may be positioning SpaceX as one of the biggest AI infrastructure plays in the world.We also dive
SpaceX IPO Roadshow Begins | Anthropic’s IPO Race + Berkshire Hathaway’s Next Move
The SpaceX IPO is becoming one of the most fascinating corporate events in modern financial history.This week on Market Maker, we unpack the latest updates from SpaceX’s live IPO roadshow, including Elon Musk’s influence over the process, Goldman Sachs’ strategy, retail investor demand and the unusual decision to lock the IPO price before bookbuilding even began.We also explain Anthropic’s IPO fil
World Cup 2026: Goldman Sachs Predicts The Winner
What does the World Cup have in common with Wall Street trading desks?In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down the hidden financial world behind the biggest sporting event on the planet. From Goldman Sachs’ 100,000-run quant model predicting the winner of the tournament, to the rise of Polymarket and decentralised prediction exchanges, this is the World Cup through the lens of ma
The SpaceX IPO Explained | The Complete Deep Dive
In this episode of The Market Maker Podcast, we break down everything you need to know about Elon Musk’s $2 trillion SpaceX empire, the IPO frenzy surrounding the deal, and whether this is the investment opportunity of a generation or the biggest bubble on Wall Street.We analyse the real numbers behind Starlink, XAI, rockets, satellites, AI infrastructure, and the hidden strategy driving Musk’s ma
How Banks Make Billions From Market Volatility
Oil is surging toward $100. Inflation fears are back. The Middle East remains highly unstable. Yet Wall Street trading desks are making record billions and major banks are raising their S&P 500 targets above 8,000.In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down how geopolitical volatility is creating huge profits for banks like J.P. Morgan and Bank of Am
Student to Corporate Finance Analyst: Networking & Career Advice That Works
Most students know they need to “network” to break into finance. Very few are told how to actually do it properly.In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung sits down with corporate finance analyst Liam Edward Proctor to break down how students can build relationships, stand out in applications and navigate finance careers without coming from a traditional background.Liam shares h
Inside the Biggest M&A Deals You Need to Know (NextEra, Dominion, Magnum Ice Cream, UK Takeovers Up 250%)
In this episode, we break down a surge in global dealmaking, from a $67 billion mega-merger in US utilities to private equity circling Magnum Ice Cream, and why UK takeovers are suddenly booming despite negative headlines.We explain how AI demand is reshaping entire industries, especially energy, infrastructure, and data centres, and why that’s triggering a new wave of consolidation. You’ll also l
AI vs Macro: What’s Really Driving the Market Rally?
Markets are ripping higher, but why? In this episode, we break down the relentless rally in US equities and why the AI boom is overpowering inflation fears, geopolitics, and rising yields.We explain what’s really driving the S&P 500, why market breadth is narrowing, and whether this rally is starting to look fragile. Then we dive into the IPO frenzy around SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic and wha
Anthropic $900B, BuzzBallz Boom & Private Credit Warning Signs
In this week’s episode, we break down one of the wildest stories in AI right now, Anthropic’s eye-watering $900 billion valuation, and ask whether fundamentals still matter in a market driven by momentum and FOMO. We also dive into the surprising shift in global drinking habits, why giants like Diageo are struggling, and how viral products like BuzzBallz are reshaping the alcohol industry.Finally,
How to Stand Out in Finance in the Age of AI (Students Must Watch)
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung sits down with Ignacio Ramirez Moreno, fixed income advisor, CFA Charterholder, LinkedIn creator, and host of The Blunt Dollar podcast.They discuss how to stand out in finance in the age of AI, Bloomberg Terminal tips and hidden functions, why curiosity matters more than technical skills, and how to build a personal brand on LinkedIn.Igna
GameStop’s $55BN eBay Bid, Europe’s Banking War & Eli Lilly’s Trillion-Dollar
This week on the Market Maker deals show, Anthony and Stephen break down the biggest corporate finance stories moving global markets. They unpack UniCredit’s hostile takeover battle for Commerzbank and why CEO Andrea Orcel is being labelled “The Shark” as European banking consolidation heats up again. They also dive into GameStop’s shocking $55bn bid for eBay, Ryan Cohen’s chaotic CNBC interview,
The 5% Yield Warning: What Bond Markets Are Telling Us
Bond yields are surging, with the US 30-year pushing 5% and UK yields near multi-decade highs but why does it matter?In this episode of the AmplifyME Market Maker Podcast, we explain how rising yields impact your mortgage, stock valuations, and the global economy. From the “risk-free rate” to inflation expectations and central bank policy, we break down the key drivers behind one of the most impor
Private Credit Explained: Why It’s Booming (And What Could Go Wrong)
Private credit is one of the fastest-growing areas in global finance but what actually is it, and why is everyone talking about it?In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down private credit in simple terms: how it works, why it’s grown into a $3 trillion market, and the key players driving it, including Blackstone and Blue Owl.We also go deeper into:Why private credit exploded after
IPO Market Update 2026: Why Asia Is Winning & UK IPOs Are Struggling
This week, we unpack what’s really happening in IPO markets.From a Hong Kong listing surging nearly 400%, to breaking down how IPOs actually work (including the “green shoe” mechanism), to Revolut’s long-term IPO ambitions — and why UK listings like RAC are being delayed.If you’re trying to understand how companies go public and what’s driving today’s market, this is a simple, real-world walkthrou
Fed Split, Oil Surge & AI War: Why Markets Are On Edge Right Now
What’s driving markets right now? In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down the Fed’s policy split, oil prices surging above $120, and the growing risk of stagflation. We also analyse Big Tech earnings, why Google outperformed Meta, and the escalating AI battle between OpenAI, Anthropic, and major tech giants. If you want clear insights on markets, inflation, and where things are
AI Breakthrough or Hype? Anthropic’s Claude Mythos, Tim Cook Steps Down & LIV Golf Collapse
What happens when an AI model is considered too powerful to release?In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we unpack one of the most bizarre and important stories in tech right now, as Anthropic’s Mythos model sparks debate about whether AI companies are building the future or just mastering the art of hype. From a strange moment involving an AI sending emails while its creator was eating a
Communication Skills for Career Success | The 4 Stages to Becoming a Confident Speaker
Communication is one of the most valuable skills in finance and professional careers, yet it’s rarely taught.In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung speaks with James Percy-Smith, founder of The Elocution Coach, about how students and professionals can develop powerful communication skills that accelerate their careers.They break down the four stages of becoming a confident spe
The $64B Takeover of Universal Music: Listing Arbitrage, Deal Mechanics & M&A Strategy
In this week’s Market Maker Podcast, we break down Bill Ackman’s high-stakes bid for Universal Music Group, the entertainment giant behind global superstars like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar. With the takeover offer estimated at $64.3bn, we unpack the M&A strategy underpinning the deal and why Pershing Square believes a US relisting could unlock significant value.From lis
US-Iran Ceasefire Rally Explained: Why Markets Are Ignoring Risk (Oil, Bonds & Bitcoin)
Markets are rallying on ceasefire headlines but the risks haven’t disappeared.In this episode, we break down why equities are surging while bonds, oil, and macro signals tell a very different story. From inflation expectations to disrupted oil flows and fragile negotiations, the so-called “ceasefire bounce” may not be as solid as it looks.With earnings season approaching and geopolitical tensions
Q1 Investment Banking League Tables, M&A Outlook, SpaceX IPO & Whoop Funding
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we review Q1 investment banking league tables and the rebound in global M&A activity.We discuss the key drivers behind deal flow, including interest rates, financing conditions, and geopolitical risk, and consider how the outlook may evolve into Q2. We also analyse the potential SMFG–Jefferies transaction, focusing on strategic rationale, regulatory
Oil Prices, Stagflation & Market Volatility: What’s Driving Global Markets?
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down the recent surge in oil prices, rising stagflation risks, and the impact on global financial markets.With crude trading in a key $100-$120 range, we explore what’s driving volatility, how different economies are exposed to the energy shock, and why investors are shifting towards defensive sectors. We also examine the relative outperformanc
Are Traders Front-Running Trump’s Announcements?
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down the surge in oil prices, the growing risk of $200 oil, and the controversy around large trades placed just minutes before a Trump headline hit the market. Is this insider trading, smart positioning, or algorithmic momentum?We explore how markets react to political signals, why oil is so sensitive to geopolitical risk, and what could actual
$27bn Meta AI Deal & UniCredit launches €35bn Commerzbank takeover offer
This week on the Market Maker Podcast, we break down a $27 billion AI deal between Meta and Nebius and what it reveals about the global race for compute power. We also dive into Unicredit’s $28 billion move on Commerzbank and why it’s become one of Europe’s most political banking battles.Plus, we cover the biggest deals of the week across wealth management, asset management, and defense, and expla
Rate Cuts Are Gone. Rate Hikes Are Back.
The market got it wrong.After months of expecting easier policy, central banks have just delivered a major reality check. The Federal Reserve is no longer forecasting cuts, the Bank of England is turning more hawkish, and the European Central Bank could move sooner than anyone expected.Behind it all is a new inflation threat building beneath the surface. Energy prices are rising fast, and if they
Prediction Markets: Kalshi, Polymarket & This Week’s Biggest M&A Deals
In this week’s Market Maker Podcast M&A episode, we break down the biggest deals moving markets right now. We start with Axel Springer’s $770 million acquisition of the Daily Telegraph, the proposed Airbus–Leonardo–Thales space merger aimed at competing with SpaceX, and the latest developments in the Monte dei Paschi–Mediobanca deal. We also discuss a new take-private bid for Papa John’s and a
The Oil Shock That Caught Hedge Funds Off Guard
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down a rare six-sigma oil market shock - a move so extreme it statistically should happen only once every four million years. Crude oil surged from around $70 to $120 during geopolitical tensions before rapidly reversing, catching some of the world’s largest hedge funds off guard.We discuss what drove the volatility, why hedge funds lost billio
Inside the Biggest M&A Deals You Need to Know (BlackRock, Toyota Industries, Pinterest, Paramount)
This week on the Market Maker Podcast we break down the biggest M&A deals, private equity moves and activist investor plays shaping global markets.From a $6.2 billion African telecom infrastructure deal to a $33 billion private equity bet on the energy powering AI data centres, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down the biggest deal stories shaping markets this week.They also dive into Ell
Oil Shock: What the Iran Conflict Means for Inflation & Markets
Oil prices are surging as tensions escalate between the US, Israel and Iran but what does it mean for inflation, interest rates and global markets?In this episode of the AmplifyME Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down the macroeconomic implications of the rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East and explain why traders and investors are paying close attention to en
The Rogue Trader Who Broke Barings Bank: A Conversation with Nick Leeson
In this episode of Market Maker by AmplifyME, we sit down with Nick Leeson to explore trading psychology, risk management and what it takes to survive public failure after the collapse of Barings Bank and more than $1.3 billion in losses.At just 25 years old, Leeson was running a derivatives operation in Singapore during the high-pressure culture of 1990s banking. What followed brought down a 233-
AI Scare Trade: Nvidia, Market Rotation & the 2028 AI Crisis
Is AI about to disrupt white-collar jobs, or is this simply a market rotation disguised as panic?Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down the so-called “AI scare trade” that hit software, payments and advisory stocks, even as the S&P 500 stayed broadly flat.We unpack the viral 2028 AI thesis from independent research firm Citrini, the sell-off in companies like Salesforce and IBM, and whethe
$58bn Oil Deal, AI’s SaaS Apocalypse & Why Private Equity Loves Cricket
This week on the AmplifyME Market Maker Podcast, Anthony goes solo to break down three big stories — a $58 billion oil merger, a pulled tech IPO, and private equity’s move into Indian cricket — all tied together by one theme: survival in the age of AI.In energy, Devon Energy and Coterra Energy are merging to focus on efficiency and basin concentration as shale matures.In tech, Blackstone-backed Li
Investment Banking: The Mindset & Tactics That Get You In
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Shah Malik shares a masterclass in how to stand out and succeed in finance, regardless of your starting point.Currently finishing his degree at King’s College London and set to join Deutsche Bank full-time, Shah walks through how he broke into investment banking by focusing on execution, networking, and a relentless mindset.From turning retail jobs into
Inside the Biggest M&A Deals You Need To Know (Glencore, Schroders, Paramount, Anthropic)
In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, we break down the major M&A transactions reshaping global markets, spanning banking, asset management, mining, media and artificial intelligence.We begin with Santander’s $12.2 billion acquisition of Webster Bank and examine what this signals about European banks expanding into the United States. We discuss capital efficiency, deposit strategy and t
How to Think Like a Sovereign Debt Investor: Career Lessons from the IMF to Wall Street
Want to break into finance or understand how global markets really work? In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung speaks with Dr. Lupin Rahman - former IMF economist, World Bank advisor, and senior fixed income portfolio manager - to explore the world of sovereign credit, macro strategy, and global investing.Lupin shares how she transitioned from public sector institutions like
Elon’s $1.25T SpaceX-xAI Merger: Vision or Hype?
Elon Musk just pulled off the biggest merger in corporate history but is the $1.25 trillion SpaceX–xAI deal a stroke of visionary genius, or a financial sleight of hand?In this episode of Market Maker, Anthony and Piers unpack what’s really behind the numbers. Is this bold vertical integration or just a clever way to funnel cash into a billion-dollar-a-month AI burn machine? They dig into Starlink
What do traders ACTUALLY do? | Day in the Life of an Investment Bank Trader
What’s it really like to be a trader at a global investment bank?Chloe Shepherd returns to the Market Maker Podcast to pull back the curtain on the trading floor. With nearly a decade of experience at Citi and RBC, she shares the real story - the workflows, pressure, client interactions, and the surprising skills that matter most.We bust common myths about trading, explain the difference between p
Fed Shake-Up, Tech Earnings Divergence & Tesla’s Strategic Pivot
This week on the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony and Piers unpack one of the most eventful weeks in global markets and business strategy.Donald Trump nominates Kevin Warsh for Fed Chair. What does this mean for inflation, rate cut expectations, and the sharp reversal in gold and silver?Microsoft and Meta post strong earnings - but only one stock soars. Why did investors rotate out of Microsoft and i
Trump's Fed Pick, Falling Dollar, and Japan’s Debt Crisis
Trump’s rumored choice for Fed Chair, BlackRock’s Rick Rieder, has suddenly jumped to frontrunner status. In this episode of Market Maker, we break down what his nomination could mean for US interest rates, inflation, and the direction of monetary policy.We also explore why the US dollar is hitting four-year lows, the impact of Trump’s recent comments, and why Japan’s growing debt burden and polit
Europe’s Defense IPO Surge & Netflix’s M&A Pivot
Anthony flies solo to unpack the biggest stories in markets and M&A this week. First, a deep dive into the €25B Amsterdam IPO of Czechoslovak Group (CSG), a Czech defense giant capitalizing on Europe’s surging military spend. Discover how a 33-year-old CEO is leading one of the region’s most consequential listings amid geopolitical shifts. Then, we break down Netflix’s bold all-cash move in it
Why Trump Wants to Buy Greenland: Resources, Power & Strategy
Why would a US president want to buy Greenland? In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran unpack the real story behind Trump’s controversial push and it’s far deeper than most headlines suggest.You’ll learn:Why Greenland is a military and surveillance goldmineThe untapped rare earth minerals and their role in AI and EVsHow China dominates the supply chain and why
IBD, Equity Research, or Global Markets? Decoding Investment Bank Careers
Not sure whether investment banking, equity research, or global markets is the right fit for you?In this episode, Anthony Cheung is joined by former Goldman Sachs equity research analyst Silvia Magni to break down what these three front-office roles really involve. They cover responsibilities, hours, how each division makes money, skills required, and who each job suits best.Whether you're tar
AI Debt Boom, Trump’s Credit Crackdown & Bank Earnings Breakdown
Anthony and Piers return to break down a busy start to 2026. They cover Wall Street’s Q4 earnings, where Morgan Stanley shines amid a wave of tech-led bond issuance, while J.P. Morgan and Goldman show mixed results.They also dig into Trump’s proposed cap on credit card interest, his DOJ probe into Fed Chair Powell, and the implications for central bank credibility. Oil markets react to rising tens
The $3.6 Trillion IPO Boom: SpaceX, OpenAI, TikTok & the Biggest Listings of 2026
2026 could be a historic year for the IPO market with over $3.6 trillion in expected valuations hitting the public stage. In this episode, we break down the hottest and most talked-about names in the pipeline: SpaceX, OpenAI, Anthropic, Stripe, Revolut, Canva, Databricks, and TikTok US.We discuss what makes SpaceX such a unique and defensible business, why OpenAI’s losses and leadership noise migh
Finding Real Ability in the Age of AI: The Shift to Performance Based Simulations
Traditional finance recruitment is at a breaking point. With a 0.7% acceptance rate at major banks and 90% of applicants using AI to "game" the system, the CV has become a redundant data point.In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Chief Content and Culture Officer Anthony Cheung and Lara Montefiori, VP of Product, discuss how to solve the "AI Volume Crisis." They explore
From Student to Podcaster to Goldman Sachs Intern
In this episode, Anthony Cheung is joined by Harvey Bracken-Smith, founder of the Personable podcast and incoming Goldman Sachs summer intern, to unpack his remarkable journey from a small island in Jersey to Eton, Duke University, and beyond. Harvey shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, the power of consistency, building a personal brand, and how he’s managed to interview billionaires,
2025 Market Recap: Top Performers, AI Shocks & What’s Coming in 2026
In this final Market Maker markets episode of the year, Anthony and Piers deliver a global recap of 2025’s biggest winners, losers, and trends. From the AI-driven tech shake-up and Wall Street’s banking boom to the surprise surge in Spain’s stock market, they break down the key moves. Looking ahead to 2026, will inflation, a Fed leadership transition, or even a ‘Great AI Energy Blackout’ derail th
How to Think and Act Like a Portfolio Manager: Real Career Advice for Finance Students
What does it really take to make the leap from analyst to portfolio manager at one of the world’s largest asset managers? In this episode, we sit down with Ji Young Park, Senior Portfolio Manager at Amundi, to explore her two-decade journey in the investment world. Ji shares what the role of a PM truly entails, from navigating decision-making under uncertainty to balancing technical expertise with
2026 M&A Outlook: Mega Deals, PE Exits & Private Credit
It’s our most anticipated episode of the year! Stephen Barnett returns to grade our 2025 predictions and lay out the playbook for 2026.We break down the massive $4.2 Trillion year in M&A, analysing why deal volume dropped while deal value skyrocketed. We also do a deep dive into the "Indigestion" facing Private Equity, with 50,000 businesses owned and nowhere to sell them, and why Pr
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In this episode, Anthony speaks with Ela Saruhanoglu, an LSE Management student who secured a full-time investment banking role at J.P. Morgan for 2026 after converting her summer internship. Despite not having a traditional finance background or spring week, Ela shares how she built technical skills from scratch, leveraged curiosity, used productivity hacks, and developed a mindset that set her a
The $100bn Hostile Takeover: Netflix vs. Paramount
It’s the "final battle for the soul of Hollywood." In this breaking episode, we bring back Stephen Barnett to break down the Netflix vs. Paramount war for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).Stephen breaks this deal down like a Hollywood movie script—literally. We cover the Backstory (Zaslav’s failure), the Cast of Characters (from "nepo-baby" David Ellison in his Ferrari to the "
Inside the Biggest IPO in 2025 & Amazon AI Chip Reveal
In this M&A edition of Market Maker, Anthony and Piers break down Medline’s potential $5 billion IPO, the biggest of the year, and what it signals for private equity exits and the 2026 deals landscape. They also explore Amazon’s bold entry into the AI chip race with Tranium 3, how it stacks up against Nvidia and Google, and what it means for cloud dominance. Plus, OpenAI hits the panic button
Investing Shift: Big Tech Down, Pharma Up, Dollar Risks Ahead
Big tech is stumbling while pharma stocks surge, what does that mean for markets heading into 2026? In this episode, Anthony and Piers unpack why Nvidia, Microsoft, and Amazon are dragging, while Eli Lilly and Merck lead a surprising rotation. They also explore shifting Fed rate cut expectations, conflicting US labor data, and what it all signals for the S&P 500’s next move.We also break down
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