Market Maker

In this Career Insight episode, Anthony Cheung speaks with Ben Hayward, co-founder and CEO of TwentyFour Asset Management, about his unexpected journey into finance. From studying history of art and pursuing advertising to launching a fixed-income boutique in the midst of the 2008 financial crisis, Ben shares invaluable lessons in career adaptability, leadership, and resilience.

Whether you're a student eyeing your first internship or a young professional navigating your next move, this conversation offers practical advice on breaking into finance, understanding complex credit products, and thriving in asset management. Learn how to simplify financial storytelling, build confidence under pressure, and shape company culture from the top down.

(00:00) Intro to Ben Hayward & 24AM

(04:42) From Art to Finance

(08:07) Starting Out at Citi

(13:03) Becoming an Entrepreneur

(19:23) Managing Stress & Resilience

(25:40) Building Culture at 24AM

(34:10) The power of storytelling

(43:27) Asset Management Explained

(47:35) What makes Fixed Income Unique

(52:16) Advice on Confidence & Resilience

(56:24) Career Tips for Success

Find out more about TwentyFour Asset Management

In this episode of the Market Maker podcast, we dive into the largest leveraged buyout in history - Electronic Arts going private in a $55 billion all-cash deal led by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. What does this blockbuster transaction say about the future of gaming, geopolitics, and private capital?

We also unpack Jefferies’ record-breaking Q3 performance as dealmaking makes a comeback. Is this a lead indicator for bulge bracket banks like Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan?

Finally, we look at why London has dropped out of the top 20 global IPO markets for the first time in decades. With capital increasingly flowing to the US, what can the UK do to reclaim its financial edge?

From LBO mechanics and corporate strategy misfires to the intersection of AI, finance, and global power plays, this is an episode packed with insight for anyone tracking markets, banking, and business strategy.

(00:00) Intro & Themes in Focus

(02:25) US Gov Shutdown & Market Impact

(09:26) Coca-Cola's Costa Coffee Misstep

(14:02) Biggest Leverage Buyout Ever

(19:33) Saudi's Gaming Investment Strategy

(27:16) EA Deal Breakdown

(31:44) Strategic Themes in EA Deal

(34:49) Jeffries' Record & Insights

(39:14) London's IPO Market Decline

(44:24) Fixing London's Financial Scene

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In this episode, Anthony speaks with Romy Cuadras, Head of Alternatives and Fund Solutions at Pictet Wealth Management, about her unconventional path into finance and the lessons she’s learned across global markets.

Romy shares how her Cuban heritage, resilience, and adaptability shaped a career spanning operations, trading, hedge funds, and now leading alternatives for ultra-high-net-worth clients. She offers practical advice on navigating pressure, stakeholder management, and why curiosity, courage, and financial independence are critical skills for young professionals.

It’s an honest look at succeeding in wealth management, full of insights on soft skills, resilience, and standing out in an increasingly competitive industry.

(00:00) Intro

(00:49) Romy’s Journey

(10:43) Positive Mindset

(15:59) Head of Alternatives

(17:38) Soft Skills in Finance

(25:37) Thriving Under Pressure

(33:19) Stakeholder Dynamics

(39:06) Diversity as Strength

(45:33) Standout Performers

(51:22) Meaningful Career

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Connect with Anthony Cheung

In this week’s Market Maker Podcast, Anthony and Piers dive into three huge stories shaping markets, technology, and careers in finance:

Trump’s U-turn on Ukraine & the defense stock boom – What does his latest stance mean for NATO, Europe’s defense spending, and why has one German arms manufacturer surged 2,000% since the war began?

Nvidia’s $100bn OpenAI deal & the global AI race – From landmark partnerships with OpenAI, Alibaba, and Intel, to political maneuvering at the top table, we break down how Nvidia is cementing itself as the backbone of AI infrastructure.

HSBC’s quantum leap – The bank claims a 34% improvement in bond price predictions using quantum computing. We unpack what this really means, how it could reshape Wall Street, and why students and early-career professionals should pay attention.

Whether you’re curious about markets, fascinated by frontier tech, or exploring your future in finance, this episode connects the dots between geopolitics, AI, quantum, and the career skills that will matter most.

💡 Timestamps

(00:00) Intro & Topics

(02:04) Trump’s U-Turn & Defense Stocks

(08:55) Nvidia’s $100bn OpenAI Deal

(25:13) Nvidia’s Global Strategy & Politics

(30:45) Quantum Computing in Finance

👉 Useful Resources

AmplifyME free Markets Finance Accelerator

AmplifyME free Banking Finance Accelerator

📌 Student Training Programmes

5-day In-Person Bootcamp in London

3-Week Virtual Summer Analyst Programme

🤝 Connect

Anthony Cheung

Piers Curran

In this episode of the Market Maker Podcast, Anthony is joined by M&A expert Silvia Magni to break down one of the most common questions in investment banking:

👉 What’s the difference between sector coverage and product teams?

Whether you're prepping for investment banking interviews, navigating your M&A career path, or deciding between technical vs client-facing roles, this episode covers everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

• Sector coverage vs product teams: key differences

• What each team actually does day-to-day

• How career paths vary between execution and industry focus

• How to switch teams internally (and what banks look for)

• Why industry knowledge is critical for winning M&A mandates

• Interview tips to speak confidently about team structures

Perfect for students, graduates, and career switchers targeting analyst or associate roles at bulge bracket banks, elite boutiques, or M&A advisory firms.

⏱️ Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:30) What is sector coverage?

(02:39) Can you change sectors?

(04:14) Sector differences

(05:18) Understanding product teams

(07:13) Choosing the right path in IBD

(08:42) Switching between teams

(10:15) Why industry knowledge is an edge

(13:13) Key takeaways

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes

New episodes every week diving into M&A, markets, and career advice in finance.

This week, Anthony and Piers dive into the Fed’s unexpected “risk management” rate cut, what does that even mean? And why is Powell suddenly more concerned about jobs than inflation?

Then it's on to Trump’s latest bombshell, scrapping quarterly earnings in favour of semiannual reports. Maverick nonsense or a legitimate debate about investor pressure and corporate costs?

Finally, the team dissect the failed sale of Argos from Sainsbury’s to JD.com. Why did the deal collapse? What does it say about cross-border M&A, boardroom discipline, and China’s global shopping spree?

Whether you’re trading the headlines or prepping for a finance interview, this episode is packed with the market mechanics and strategic insight you need.

(00:00) Intro & News in Focus

(02:23) Fed Rate Cut & Market Implications

(10:03) Trading Psychology & Market Reactions

(11:55) Fed Dot Plots Explained

(18:21) Trump’s Corporate Earnings Proposal

(20:21) Press Bias & News Interpretation

(21:00) Quarterly vs. Semiannual Reporting

(26:12) Tech's Role in Corporate Transparency

(31:30) Argos Deal Breakdown

(42:43) Investor Sentiment & M&A Takeaways

In the second episode of our application-season mini-series with the LSE Alternative Investments Conference (AIC), I’m joined by Yuga Kozuki, Co-President of the LSE AIC.

Yuga shares how he secured speculative roles across venture capital, M&A, and hedge funds using cold emailing strategies, automation tools, and the power of student societies. We also dive into handling pressure, reframing rejection, and using AI as a coach and mentor throughout the process.

This episode is packed with practical hacks and mindset shifts to help you navigate application season with resilience, focus, and confidence.

Perfect for any student exploring different finance paths and looking for fresh, actionable ways to stand out.

(00:00) Introduction to Alternative Investments

(01:37) Navigating University Life and Societies

(04:37) Managing Stress and Pressure

(10:05) Building Resilience Through Rejection

(12:21) Value of Networking in University

(15:47) Mastering the Art of Cold Emailing

(26:19) Interview Process for Speculative Applications

(29:53) Leveraging AI Tools for Productivity

► LSE AIC Instagram► LSE AIC LinkTree

In this episode, Anthony and Piers unpack a week of upside surprises, from inflation data clearing the path for Fed rate cuts to Oracle’s shock $455 billion order book and the tech rally pushing markets to fresh highs.

They question whether Wall Street’s S&P 500 forecasts are still too cautious, explore why Klarna’s IPO success might reignite deal flow, and dissect the $53 billion Anglo-Teck copper merger. More than just a headline deal, it’s a masterclass in corporate defense, streamlining portfolios, leaning into future-facing assets like copper, and turning defense into offense with smart, strategic M&A.

(00:00) Market Overview & Outlook

(02:38) Inflation Data & Fed Policy

(05:35) Tech Stocks & Performance

(08:27) Oracle Earnings & AI

(11:01) Musk’s $1T Pay Package

(14:11) Analyst Calls & Forecasts

(16:47) Banks & Deal Flow

(19:35) Klarna IPO & Markets

(22:38) Anglo-Teck Merger

Kicking off our special application-season mini-series, we're joined by Raul Verma, Co-President of the LSE Alternative Investments Conference (AIC), to demystify the finance career journey from inside one of the world’s top universities.

In this episode, Raoul shares his unconventional path, including dropping out and returning to LSE and the real pressures, decisions, and strategies behind landing finance roles.

Whether you're considering banking, exploring alternatives, or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with raw insights, relatable stories, and actionable advice.

Perfect for students navigating their next steps and looking to hear from peers who’ve been there.

(00:00) Intro to the Mini Series

(01:37) Dropping Out of LSE & Coming Back

(08:11) Life at a Top Uni: Pressure & Competition

(13:26) Mentors Matter: Finding Your Guide

(18:08) Handling Parental Expectations

(21:33) How to Apply to Finance Roles

(31:52) Why This Series? + AIC Overview

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Learn more about LSE AIC

In this episode, Anthony and Piers dig into the surge in UK borrowing costs, now at their highest since 1998. Is this a warning sign or just a media-fueled blip? They explore the fiscal strain, political reshuffling, and why the pound took a sharp hit earlier in the week.

The conversation then turns to the deeper structural issues—rising inflation, slowing growth, and a widening current account deficit. Could this all snowball into a credibility crisis for the UK government and Bank of England?

Also in this episode: gold’s breakout past $3,500, Goldman’s bold $5,000 call, and what the rally tells us about fading trust in fiat systems and central bank independence.

(00:00) UK: Borrowing & Inflation

(08:41) Debt Spiral

(17:17) Deficits & Outlook

(25:56) Gold as Hedge

(34:25) Trust in Gov’t & Banks