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In May 1866, the world's largest financial institution collapsed in a single day, triggering the first global banking crisis and reshaping modern finance forever. Overend, Gurney & Company wasn't just any bank - they were THREE TIMES larger than their nearest competitor and considered the safest institution in the world. When they fell, over 200 companies failed, the Bank of England abandoned the gold standard, and the entire global financial system nearly imploded.

In this episode, real estate fund manager and financial historian Ari Van Gemeren reveals:

• How a conservative Quaker bank became a reckless shadow bank in just 5 years
• The IPO scam that let partners cash out before the collapse (perfectly legal in 1866!)
• Why the Bank of England's decision to let them fail changed capitalism forever
• The eerie parallels to Silicon Valley Bank, Lehman Brothers, and today's shadow banking system
• Critical lessons for real estate investors using bridge debt and short-term financing
• How "reputation lag" hides failing institutions until it's too late

From Victorian London to modern private credit funds, discover why this forgotten crisis holds the key to understanding financial collapses - and how to protect yourself from the next one.

Topics: Financial history, banking crisis, Black Friday 1866, Overend Gurney, Bank of England, shadow banking, financial collapse, Victorian era finance, bank runs, leverage crisis, real estate investing, private credit, bridge debt, financial panic, British Empire, discount houses, railway bubble, limited liability, systemic risk, too big to fail

Perfect for: Real estate investors, finance professionals, history enthusiasts, anyone interested in understanding financial crises and protecting their wealth

🎧 The Timeless Investor Show: Where history's greatest financial lessons meet modern investing strategy.

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