The Wall Street Skinny

Send us a textIn this episode of The Wall Street Skinny, we dive deep into the world of financial inclusion with Mary Ellen Iskenderian, President and CEO of Women’s World Banking. Microfinance has long been hailed as a key tool for empowering women in emerging markets, but as Mary Ellen explains, true financial empowerment requires far more than just access to microloans.We explore how Women’s World Banking is rethinking financial inclusion—looking beyond small-scale loans to other necessities like savings, insurance, and digital banking. Mary Ellen breaks down the complexities of creating sustainable economic growth, highlighting the importance of building financial resilience, promoting long-term wealth creation, and ensuring women have the tools to navigate both personal and global economic challenges.Throughout the conversation, we discuss the vital role of financial literacy, access to capital, and how tailored financial services can create lasting change for women entrepreneurs and their communities. This episode challenges the traditional view of microfinance and dives into the broader strategy needed to empower women economically—unlocking opportunities for sustainable, inclusive development.Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on what it really takes to build a financially inclusive future for women around the world.Learn more about Women’s World Banking: https://www.womensworldbanking.org/Mary Ellen Iskenderian is the President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, a global nonprofit dedicated to serving the nearly one billion women excluded by the formal financial sector. She joined Women’s World Banking in 2006 and leads its global team in partnering with financial institutions and policymakers around tSign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Send us a textWe've talked a lot about how Private Equity Megafunds approach valuation when they purchase companies through LBOs. And we've spoken about their exits, either through IPOs or PE Secondaries.  But we've never really talked about what happens during the YEARS in between!  How do Private Equity companies actually grow their portfolio companies over the life of their investment? Enter: the portfolio group or operations team. This group works closely with executives at the portfolio company itself, along with the valuation and deal teams. This team is generally separate from the deal team within Megafunds, though many roles may have significant overlap at smaller firms. At a Megafund, this role differs considerably in terms of skills set, background, and career path. Instead of a conveyor belt path through Investment Banking, this group looks for for skilled consultants and experienced corporate executives. It can be a fantastic entry point into Private Equity for older candidates with more experience in the workforce.Today, we sit down with Florence Evina-Ze, an SVP at Bain Capital, to discuss the recruiting, career path, skills set, and lifestyle associated with this particular vertical. Florence also shares her perspective as an underrepresented minority in the industry. She discusses specific programs that were instrumental to her success, the critical role of mentors, and her inspiring approach to helping others follow in her footsteps.Florence Evina-Ze joined Bain Capital in 2021. She is a Senior Vice President in the Portfolio Group and a member of the North America Private Equity team. Prior to joining Bain Capital, Florence worked at IPSY. Previously, she was a consultant at McKinsey and Deloitte where she focused on industrials anSign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Send us a textOur thoughts are with everyone who has recently been impacted by or is in the path of the devastating hurricanes this fall.  In today's episode, we touch on the perplexing price action in the oil markets.  The price of oil remains curiously low relative to what seem to be fundamental upward pressures, and we discuss a recent Bloomberg interview with Jeff Currie, Chief Strategy Officer of Energy Pathways at The Carlyle Group where he suggests that the upside risk to oil "has never been higher".You can watch the full interview here:  https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2024-10-09/oil-market-risk-at-its-highest-since-the-1970s-currie-says?srnd=phx-technologySign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today!Our Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Send us a textToday we are bringing back Carissa Jordan, who was in our incredible episode about problematic female managers (episode 55). She was a credit trader at Goldman Sachs, and she’s here to give us our long awaited Credit Trading 101 episode.  We discuss everything about credit from its conception and origination in IBD — the investment banking division — Debt Capital Markets, and the Syndicate group, all the way through to investment grade, high yield, distressed.Carissa walks us through the lifestyle on a credit desk and gets into some of the nitty gritty mechanics of how these bonds trade. We do touch briefly on CDS and CDX, but we'll do a deep dive on those in a future episode!  This is also a GREAT resource for listeners of our other podcast, our unofficial companion to HBO Max’s hit show INDUSTRY, because understanding the basics of credit will help you understand a lot of the points we touched on in the episode we released yesterday!For anyone who wants to follow and listen to our fledgling INDUSTRY podcast, the unofficial companion podcast to HBO Max's hit show Industry, subscribe here so you don't miss our conversations breaking down the finance, the trades, discussing how realistic the interactions, relationships and lifestyle is, and so much more: Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-industry-unofficial-companion-podcast-for-hbo/id1771026407Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/5WxBgEenp0SiIniIafDlul?si=8EwJREbaRSaSSNjZYd_BYASign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Send us a textWe are BACK, baby! We've missed you guys, and we're so sorry we've been MIA while we've been getting ready to launch our flagship self-paced course. Join the waitlist to make sure you have early access here:  https://the-wall-street-skinny.mykajabi.com/waitlist-opt-in-IBDToday we talk about Apollo's quest to become a megalith in the private credit space, looking to double their Assets Under Management (AUM) from ~$700bn to $1.5tr over the next 5 years with support from the likes of JPMorgan.  We also discuss this Wall Street Journal article: https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/the-giant-hedge-fund-that-hates-risk-and-still-wins-1110e90a, explaining the basics of how Sharpe ratios are used to measure individual and fund investment performance.  And we are joined by Alex Cavalieri, Head of Marketing at CAIS (https://www.caisgroup.com/) ahead of their October CAIS Summit, where we'll be live on the ground interviewing some of the thought leaders shaping the industry in realtime!Sign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 offOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Send us a textIn this episode of 'Industry S1E2,' Jen and Kristen continue their analysis of HBO Max's hit show 'Industry.' The duo breaks down technical aspects of foreign exchange trading, client relationship management, and the distinct cultures between different divisions within an investment bank. They explain key financial concepts such as FX trading pairs, the importance of client communication, and how sales and trading desks operate. They also touch upon the realistic portrayal of work dynamics, including the unique hazing rituals and the complicated mentor-mentee relationships portrayed in the show.Listeners will gain insights into the intricate details of trading and finance as Jen and Kristen draw parallels to their own real-life experiences on Wall Street. From explaining the hierarchical structure of trading desks to dissecting the nuances of client exclusivity and sales credits, this episode offers a comprehensive look into the high-stakes world of investment banking. Whether you're an industry veteran or new to the financial sector, this episode provides valuable knowledge and perspectives that enrich your understanding of finance. Follow The Industry | Unofficial Companion Podcast to HBO Max's Hit TV Show "Industry"  Here if you want to hear more analysis of Indstury.Sign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Send us a textFrom your besties at The Wall Street Skinny comes a no-holds barred deep dive into every episode of HBO Max’s hit TV show “Industry”. We give you the skinny on what they get RIGHT, what they get WRONG, how it all works, and where the fictional drama intersects with stories from our own lives.  Follow the show HERESign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today!Our Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Send us a textYou've seen all over the financial press that the Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate 50 basis points at its meeting last week. And you've heard economists yapping in the news about "hard landings" and "soft landings" for the economy. But what does that actually MEAN?We break it all down with none other than Jamie Patton, co-head of Global Rates at TCW, a $200bn multi-asset manager headquartered in California. Jamie started her Wall Street career in Interest Rate Sales at Lehman Brothers, then moved to Barclays Capital before exiting to a role managing Wells Fargo's Bank Portfolio and subsequently joining TCW. Sure you've heard from Jen a bunch about the lifestyle on the trading floor, but Jamie brings a hilarious and raw perspective sharing her experiences of getting screamed at by clients...and ultimately finding her own voice. Jamie is an expert not only in all things interest rate related, but also talks us through what it takes to succeed in Fixed Income Sales & Trading, what the exit opportunities from those jobs are and how to navigate them, and what it's like having kids and moving from more junior to incredibly senior high finance roles as a mother of three.  Jamie also gives us insight into what a career at an asset management firm looks like and whether a CFA might help you edge out the competition for the role you want.  Jamie Patton is a Specialist Portfolio Manager in the Fixed Income group and is Co-Head of Global Rates. She is responsible for the portfolio management of U.S. Treasuries, global sovereign bonds, TIPS, agencies, money market instruments, commodity strategies, and derivatives. In conjunction with the generalist portfolio managers, she implements decisions on duration and yield curve across our products. Ms. Patton joineSign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...

Kristen, an expert in financial modeling and Excel for Investment Banking, shares invaluable tips on Excel essentials. She covers the differences between PC and Mac usage, the importance of keyboard shortcuts for efficiency, and best practices in financial modeling. Ryan MacGregor, Macabacus founder, discusses its role as a critical tool for success in finance, while Rahul Gill emphasizes how productivity add-ins can set candidates apart in the competitive market. They explore the integration of AI and the significance of presentation and quality in financial reports.

Send us a textWe've heard your countless requests for a review of HBO Max's hit TV show The Industry, and we are buzzing with excitement about our new favorite show!!!  We go over every single critical detail of Season 1, Episode 1 --- from how accurate the interview questions are, the sights and sounds of the trading floor, lifestyle in Investment Banking, all the jargon, and the mechanics of the ACTUAL TRADES depicted in this episode!!!  This is the most accurate representation of real day-to-day life at an Investment Bank that we've seen on TV or in movies EVER.  It is a must-watch series if you're thinking about a Wall Street career.  We break it all down for you: what they get right, what they get wrong, and what details are really winks specially aimed at insiders in the know.Do not miss our single most requested episode EVER!!!In this episode covering S1E1, we examine the challenges faced by new analysts joining a major investment bank. We unpack the realities of late-night modeling sessions, the pressure to secure deals, and the competitive nature of the finance industry, as seen through the characters of Harper and Hari. With references to real-life banking practices and the accurate depiction of trading floor dynamics, this episode provides a revealing look at the intense environment of Wall Street.We follow Harper as she navigates her way through the high-octane world of fixed income sales, getting her first chance to pitch a trade idea at a client dinner. Meanwhile, we see Hari pushing himself to dangerous limits to prove his worth in investment banking. Kristen and Jen discuss how their experiences mirror the show's depiction of complex relationships between junior and senior employees, as well as the nuanced interactions within banking divisions. This episodSign up for our Talent Accelerator HERE today! Visit Vanta.com/wallstreet for $1,000 off Start your FREE TRIAL of Training The Street's Turbo Macros HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE: Or for our "Express Workout", our one hour top 5 technicals you must know for investment banking Masterclass, purchase for $49 HEREOur content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.Public Disclosure: All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS... See full disclos...