The Wall Street Skinny

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Send us a textIn 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 when ti comes to coverage in the impacted areas around LA.And finally, we share a personal story about how investment bankers can be pretty dumb when it comes to personal banking. We explain why banks don't pay anything on their deposits relative to their scrappier competitors, and how we almost forgot this ourselves.Check out our FREE LIVE MASTERCLASS on Jan 23rd at 12pm EST!  Learn the key technical concepts you need to ace your Investment Banking or Private Equity interviews. Even if you can't join live, register now to catch the 48h replay!https://courses.thewallstreetskinny.com/Jan2025-masterclass-registration-page-IB-technicals?utm_source=the-wall-street-skinny.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=no-bs-just-bullish&_bhlid=c96d5fc1164a9281b4369dc76031e1d4a42ea76eShop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist HERE Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Send us a textIn 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 market volatility, with real-world examples from events like the 1987 crash and the COVID-19 market turbulence. Additionally, we explore the role of sales in finance, debating whether relationship-building and charm can truly compensate for technical expertise.Finally, we discuss the broader implications of mentorship, power struggles, and the shifting culture in finance. From the tension between Harper and Daria to Eric's controversial return, we highlight the complexities of leadership styles and career survival in high-pressure roles. Join us as we dissect the intersection of finance, workplace politics, and character development in one of Industry's most pivotal episodes.If you're here for the finance or just fascinated by the fast-paced world of investment banking, this episode offers a deep dive into the lessons and realities of life on the trading floor.Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist HERE Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Send us a textThis 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 excess has evolved over the years. Jen and Kristen reflect on their own experiences in the high-stakes finance world—where client dinners, endless vodka sodas, and late-night martinis were once the norm. But times are changing, and Carl offers a fresh perspective on creating meaningful social experiences without alcohol, inspired by his own four-year sobriety journey.Carl shares behind-the-scenes stories from Summer House, his role in launching Loverboy’s non-alcoholic offerings, and his vision for Soft Bar—a revolutionary space for mindful socializing. He also touches on broader cultural shifts in client entertainment, wellness trends, and the importance of fostering genuine connections in both business and personal life.Whether you’re sober-curious, a reality TV fan, or just love a good story about reinvention, this episode will leave you thinking differently about what it means to mix business with friendship.Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist HERE Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Send us a textIn 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 account behind the move?Piggybacking off a recent article by Matt Levine, we dive a little into the hoopla around GSE privatization talk, explaining the history of Fannie and Freddie, the conservatorship resulting from the financial crisis, and you'll learn why you should never use the term "bailout" at a cocktail party with Kristen.Finally, we react to the news that JPMorgan is requiring everyone back in the office 5 days a week, and muse upon different ways financial firms could potentially leverage a creative, bespoke work schedule to foster the ownership mentality we see ourselves in the startup world.  Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist HERE Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Send us a textIn 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 strategic tool and a political maneuver within financial firms.The conversation takes a turn into the murky waters of clawbacks and deferred compensation, shedding light on these often misunderstood topics. The hosts don't shy away from discussing timely issues like inclusion and diversity (DEI initiatives) in the workplace, while also tackling the dark side of competitive banking environments through real-world examples. This episode isn't just for fans of the show; it's a crash course in some of the most pressing financial issues of our time.Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist HERE Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Send us a textIn 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, and overcoming mental barriers. The episode highlights tangible tools like creating an 'ideal scene' and utilizing the power of the reticular activating system (RAS) to manifest desired outcomes. The conversation also touches upon the science behind mindset work, making this episode a blend of inspiration and practical advice.Whether you’re a student, early in your career, or a seasoned professional, this episode offers valuable tips on aligning your career aspirations with personal fulfillment. Tune in to discover how to harness your unique strengths, tackle procrastination, and design a career path that brings you joy and success. Don't miss out on actionable insights that can help you make 2025 your best year yet!Valentina Savelyeva knows what it takes to thrive in the competitive world of corporate finance. A graduate of UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Valentina launched her career as an investment banking analyst at JPMorgan’s prestigious Technology, Media, and Telecom group—an opportunity that sparked her passion for empowering others to unlock their potential and achieve their career goals.But Valentina's journey didn’t start in corporate boardrooms—she immigrated to the U.S. from post-Soviet Russia with limited resources but boundless ambition. Through sheer determination, a positive mindset, and relentless grit, she overcame financial challenges and embraced personal growth, ultimately building a foundation for success that she now helps others achieve.After her time at JPMorgan, Valentina spent the next decade training professionals and college students in the technical skills needed to excel in finance. She led high-demand workshops for top Wall Street banks like UBS, Credit Suisse, and Wells Fargo, consulting giants like BCG and Deloitte, and top business schools such as Harvard, Wharton, and Columbia.Inspired by her work with young professionals, Valentina expanded into career coaching. Over the past decade, she has worked with clients across finance, consulting, tech, healthcare, and biotech fields—along with entrepreneurs and career switchers. She specializes in helping ambitious professionals break through self-doubt, build confidence, and design meaningful careers aligned with their passions.Whether you’re applying for your first internship, aiming for a top firm, or ready to pivot, Valentina’s story and strategies prove that success is attainable—no matter where you start. Tune in to hear how she turned humble beginnings into a thriving career and how you can too.Work with Val HEREShop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist HERE Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Send us a textWelcome 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 wealth management.Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist HERE Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

Marta Norton, Chief Investment Strategist at Empower, brings over 20 years of investment management expertise to the discussion. She shares insights on the Federal Reserve's recent decisions and their implications for market trends in 2025. Topics include the transformative role of AI in reshaping businesses, the increasing retail interest in private equity, and the complexities of valuing cryptocurrencies. With recession indicators on the horizon, Marta emphasizes the importance of informed strategies amid an evolving economic landscape.

Send us a textIn 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, the mechanics of raising capital, and strategies for assessing the viability of startups. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding terms like pre-money and post-money valuations and the pivotal role of liquidity preferences in investment decisions. Max and Matt candidly discuss the realities of startup investing, including the immense value of transparency and gut instincts when deciding whether to commit financially to a friend's business venture.Moreover, the episode touches on broader financial and entrepreneurial themes, connecting the act of investing in a business to the emotional investment in personal relationships. Through anecdotes and expert advice, the hosts and guests provide an engaging and informative discussion that empowers listeners to navigate the complex landscape of angel investing with confidence. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring investors and anyone interested in the intersection of finance and human relationships.Also check out Milkless’s episode #88 here if you want a conversation about talking to your kids about Santa and what happens after death. HEREShop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist HERE Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.