Market Maker

Meta is back in the crosshairs of the FTC. Could Zuckerberg really be forced to spin off Instagram or WhatsApp?

We explore the legal showdown, what it means for antitrust enforcement in big tech, and the potential ripple effects for future M&A deals in Silicon Valley.

Then, we head to the UK where private equity giant KKR is circling Thames Water with a potential £4 billion investment. It’s a classic case of distressed infrastructure meets sharp-elbowed private capital.

Tune in for a breakdown of the business models, political implications, and what these deals say about the future of competition and capitalism.

(00:00) Introduction and Overview of M&A Topics

(02:44) Meta's Antitrust Battle and Business Model Critique

(10:30) FTC's Antitrust Case Against Meta

(17:44) Implications of Antitrust Case for Big Tech

(25:46) KKR's Acquisition of Thames Water

(32:25) Private Equity vs. Nationalization of Utilities

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Anthony and Piers break down the latest U.S. GDP figures that sent headlines into a frenzy, but is the economy really on the brink of recession? 

This episode dives into the mechanics behind the data, why imports distorted the numbers, and what it really means for the Fed, markets, and your investment outlook. 

Clear, no-nonsense insight that cuts through the headlines.

(00:00) Introduction and Economic Context

(02:09) Understanding GDP and Its Implications

(06:30) Consumer Sentiment and Economic Resilience

(12:34) Market Reactions and Future Projections

(19:06) Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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Guinevere Taylor didn’t study finance. She didn’t go to a top-tier uni. But she built a successful career in asset management and after several years as a director at a major sell-side bank, she now leads UK Capital Formation at Brightwood Capital.

In this episode, she shares how she broke into the industry, built confidence in client-facing roles, and juggled early motherhood with a demanding career.

If you're a student or young professional looking for real, relatable advice on thriving in finance, this conversation is for you.

(00:00) Fiji to Finance

(02:47) From Credit Cards to Asset Management

(06:06) The Importance of Soft Skills in Client Relations

(08:57) Balancing Work and Motherhood

(11:57) Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

(15:09) Why Building Relationships is Key Skill

(17:59) Finding your Right Fit

(21:06) Networking for Young Professionals

(24:05) Advice for Future Generations

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In this podcast episode, Anthony and Stephen unpack the return of mega mergers, from Capital One’s $35.5bn takeover of Discover Financial to Nomura’s strategic $2bn acquisition.

Plus, they dive into why private equity is reshaping the accountancy world through massive consolidation plays like Baker Tilly and Grant Thornton.

Whether you're aiming for banking, asset management, accounting, private equity, or advisory, this is essential insight to stay ahead of the curve.

(00:00) Introduction to M&A Deals

(02:05) Capital One's $35.5 Billion Acquisition

(09:02) Nomura's Strategic Acquisition of Macquarie

(16:00) Baker Tilly's Acquisition of Moss Adams

(25:50) Grant Thornton's Fragmented Structure and PE Involvement

***

Take a free M&A Finance Accelerator simulation in partnership with UBS www.amplifyme.com/mafa

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What happens when a president hints at firing the Fed chair, markets spiral, and Elon Musk suddenly retreats from Washington?

In this episode, Anthony and Piers dissect Trump’s headline-grabbing U-turn, the deeper implications for Fed independence, and why Tesla shares soared despite disastrous earnings.

Plus, is a US-China trade thaw finally in sight and what could that mean for inflation and rates? Another high-stakes week in global markets made easy to understand for everyone.

(01:58) Trump vs Powell: The Current State of Play

(05:03) Why Does Trump Want Lower Rates?

(06:19) Can Trump actually fire Fed Chair Powell?

(09:53) How have Markets Reacted to this Idea?

(15:19) The Most Important Story Isn't Trump

(18:19) Why Fed Independence is Important

(21:18) Is a Japanese and Indian Trade Deal Coming?

(25:50) Elon Musk Turns Attention Back to Tesla

(33:11) Handling Volatile Markets When Investing

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In part two of our ESG mini-series, Anthony Cheung and Stephen Barnett dive into the backlash that’s hit the ESG world: record fund outflows, greenwashing scandals, political pushback, and major asset managers quietly stepping away. But is this really the end… or just the next chapter?

They explore why ESG has become so controversial, why the US and Europe are heading in different directions, and whether it’s still possible to invest with purpose and make money. Plus, some practical advice for anyone thinking about a career in sustainable finance—especially how to stay grounded when trends shift.

If you’re looking to understand the bigger picture and where ESG goes from here, this one’s for you.

(00:00) The State of ESG: Is It Dead?

(04:26) US vs. Europe: A Cultural Divide in ESG Commitment

(10:04) Greenwashing: The Challenge of Authenticity in ESG

(15:12) The Importance of ESG in a Volatile World

(19:06) Anti-Fragility: Thriving Through Challenges

(22:38) Next Steps: Exploring ESG and Career Paths

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In this episode, Anthony sits down with Miren-Edurne De Frutos, a senior sales & trading executive with decades of global experience across top-tier investment banks.

Fluent in five languages and having worked across eight countries, Miren shares her refreshingly honest take on:

• What sales & trading roles actually involve (minus the jargon)
• How to stand out in finance by mastering soft skills
• The power of building authentic, long-term relationships
• Why neurodiversity still isn't talked about enough in markets and how she’s using her voice to change that

From waiting tables in New York to pitching complex ideas to institutional clients, Miren’s journey is packed with stories, practical advice, and raw insight into what it really takes to succeed and be yourself in finance.

Whether you’re exploring a career in markets or already navigating one, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

(02:02) Introduction to Career Insights and Neurodiversity

(03:56) Understanding Roles in Investment Banking

(06:40) How Language Skills Helped

(09:09) The Importance of Personal Growth and Adaptability

(12:22) Standing Out in a Competitive Environment

(15:33) Building Your Board of Directors

(19:07) The Art of Selling and Building Relationships

(22:45) Networking vs. Relationship Building

(26:09) Navigating Neurodiversity in Finance

(35:18) Leveraging Technology for Neurodiverse Individuals

(38:24) Creating Inclusive Environments in Finance

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Is ESG just a buzzword or does it still matter? In this two-part episode, Anthony Cheung is joined by ESG expert Stephen Barnett to unpack what ESG really means, where it came from, and why it’s become so confusing (and controversial). From trillion-dollar funds to wind turbines on glossy brochures, they explore the good, the bad, and the misunderstood. 

Whether you're curious about impact investing, thinking about a career in sustainable finance, or just want to finally understand what ESG actually means beyond the acronym, this is the episode for you.

(00:00) Introduction to ESG and Its Importance

(05:43) The Historical Context of ESG

(12:22) The Size and Scope of the ESG Industry

(18:29) Understanding ESG Investing Strategies

(26:16) Impact Investing vs. ESG

(31:21) Challenges in ESG Investing

(37:16) Philosophical Considerations in ESG Investing

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In one of the wildest weeks on Wall Street since 2008, markets flip from panic to euphoria—thanks to a single Truth Social post and a dramatic policy reversal from Donald Trump. But was it all part of the plan?

In this episode, Anthony Cheung and Piers Curran break down:

• Why the S&P 500 had its biggest one-day jump since the financial crisis
• The real asset class that forced Trump’s hand (hint: not equities)
• What bond yields, auction flops, and China’s emergency meetings say about global market stress
• How traders at JPMorgan are thriving while hedge funds like Renaissance take a beating
• And what this all means for students and young professionals trying to understand today’s markets

Fast-moving, high-stakes, and full of insight. This is the episode you need to hear to stay commercially aware!

(02:01) Market Movements and Trump's Influence

(08:17) The Role of Inflation and Federal Reserve Actions

(12:08) Trump's Negotiation Tactics and Market Reactions

(17:26) Bond Market Dynamics and Economic Implications

(26:55) China's Response and Future Strategies

(32:05) Investment Bank Scenarios of What Next?

(36:49) Trading Booms & Banking Busts

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What does it take to succeed in quant finance? Anthony Cheung sits down with Nitish Maini, Chief Strategy Officer at WorldQuant, to discuss his journey from consulting to quant trading, the biggest misconceptions about the industry, and why creativity and strategic thinking are just as important as coding skills. 

They also explore how WorldQuant is reshaping global talent pipelines through initiatives like the WorldQuant BRAIN platform and the International Quant Championship, opening doors for aspiring quants worldwide.

If you're interested in quant finance, or just curious to learn more, this episode is for you!

• Enter the International Quant Championship qr.wqbrain.com/bfqLYv

• Learn2Quant YouTube series by WorldQuant https://shorturl.at/BR2v6

*****

(00:00) Introduction to Quantitative Finance and Nitish's Background

(08:45) The Difference Between Quant Researcher and Portfolio Manager

(19:07) The Evolution of Quantitative Finance

(20:55) Demystifying Quant Finance

(24:05) WorldQuant: A Unique Approach to Quant Finance

(26:06) WorldQuant Brain: Crowdsourcing Alpha Signals

(30:01) Learn to Quant: Educational Initiatives

(32:16) International Quant Championship: A Global Competition

*****

(WorldQuant defines alphas as mathematical models that seek to predict the future price movements of various financial instruments)

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