Another month, another market shake-up... 💡

Welcome to our October economic recap, the TWENTY-NINTH episode of The Smart Money Show! We analyse a month full of evolving macro narratives and noteworthy corporate stories with our Head of FICC, Wahy Yahya, and Head of Equities, Dylan Ilett.

Tune in as we uncover how the US and UK economies have been performing since the beginning of Q4, as well as the performance of indexes like the S&P 500 and FTSE. Major banks have also been reporting a string of losses and Dylan will be sharing what has been causing this and how markets have been reacting. 📉📈

We also look at Buffett's so-called "noninvestment" strategy, Gunvor's $22 billion deal with Lukoil and its effects on the energy market, Microsoft's earnings and the AI momentum driving Big Tech, and why inflation in the Eurozone may finally be in a "good place."

This is also the final appearance for Wahy on The Smart Money Show. We are sad to see him go and wish him the best for the future - savour the last time we hear him!

Guest Contacts:

Dylan Ilett - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-ilett/

Wahy Yahya - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wahy-yahya-1b1563301/

🎥 Recorded: 5th November

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

2:31 - US Macro: Shutdown & Fed Rate Decisions 🇺🇸

5:59 - UK Macro: Sticky Inflation & Bank of England 🇬🇧

11:14 - S&P 500 vs. FTSE 100 📈

14:14 - The $200B AI Credit Issuance Flood 🤖

18:23 - Bank Earnings: Regional Losses & Systemic Risk 🏦

24:09 - Norway's $2.1T Fund vs. Elon Musk's Pay Package 💰

28:44 - Microsoft Earnings & The Hidden $3.1B OpenAI Loss 🤫

39:14 - Commodity Risk: Gunvor's Deal with Lukoil 🛢️

43:10 - Warren Buffett's $382B Cash Pile: A Warning Sign? 🤔

48:36 - Good News: Euro Zone Inflation Nears Target 🇪🇺

53:10 - Show Announcements & Schedule Change 📢

53:54 - A Farewell to Wahy 🤝

57:50 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk/

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

Early internships, the buy-side and risky decisions... 🫡

Welcome to the TWENTY-EIGHTH episode of The Smart Money Show! This week, we sit down with Pearl Thakrar, whose journey from Warwick to UBS and now London Business School is anything but linear. From first-year internships to the fast-paced world of alternatives and private equity, Pearl’s story is about saying yes early, learning fast, and staying open-minded throughout.

We unpack what it’s really like to break into finance before you’ve even graduated, how to turn short-term chances into long-term wins, and how to prioritise self-growth and academic curiosity in a fast-paced work environment.

Guest Contacts:

Pearl Thakrar - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearlthakrar/

🎥 Recorded: 4th October

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

3:29 - The "Warwick Finance Bubble" & Early Influences 💭

5:14 - Why She Chose Management Over a Pure Finance Degree 🎓

7:29 - Advice for Non-Finance Students Breaking Into the Industry 🔑

10:55 - The Internship Grind & The Power of Networking 🤝

17:01 - How Firms Actually Evaluate Interns (Beyond the CV) 📝

19:32 - The Secret to Converting a Spring Week to a Summer Offer 🔑

22:28 - Inside UBS: Graduate Training, Rotations & Team Culture 📈

28:18 - A Deep Dive into Alternatives & Real Estate Private Equity 💼

31:30 - The CFA Grind: Balancing Full-Time Work & Intensive Study 📚

35:31 - The Big Pivot: Why She Left UBS for a Master's at LBS 🔄

37:53 - LBS vs. Warwick: The Master's Experience 🏛️

40:57 - Master's: Career Accelerator or a "Reset"? 🤔

42:42 - Final Reflections: Proudest Moment & Advice to Self ✨

44:17 - The Biggest Takeaway: "Follow Your Gut" 💌

45:49 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk/

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

It's been another busy month in markets for September... 🚨

Welcome to the TWENTY-SEVENTH episode of The Smart Money Show, our September economic recap. Featuring Ali and our Head of FICC, Wahy Yahya, we learn about the massive rallies in the Euro and Gold, what’s moving in the energy market, the risks posed by shadow banking and much more!

Guest Contacts:

Wahy Yahya - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wahy-yahya-1b1563301/

🎥 Recorded: 8th October

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

3:25 - US Macro Data: Strong Growth, Softening Labor & a Fed Rate Cut 🇺🇸

6:07 - UK Macro Data: "Stubborn" Inflation & Bank of England's Outlook 🇬🇧

9:53 - Unpacking Shadow Banking: A "Systematic Blind Spot"? 👻

16:02 - BP's Energy Outlook: Is Higher Oil Demand Here to Stay? ⛽️

19:17 - The Euro's Rally: A Shift Away from the Dollar? 🇪🇺

24:19 - A Sneak Peek: Inside the New FICC Demo Portfolio 📈

28:05 - Gold Smashes Through $3,800: What's Driving the Surge? 🪙

31:38 - How to Navigate Conflicting Forecasts from Top Banks 🤔

33:45 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk/

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

Shaping portfolios, giving back, and building impact that goes beyond returns… ✍🏼

Welcome to the TWENTY-SIXTH episode of The Smart Money Show, recorded at RBC Brewin Dolphin’s Birmingham offices. This week we’re joined by three rising stars in investment management: Wolfie Papirnik, Harjot Wahiwala, and Reece Smith. 

Wolfie, recently recognised in Citywire’s Top 30 under 30, combines sharp technical expertise with a passion for community responsibility. Harjot works with RBC Brewin Dolphin’s Midlands Charity team while on her way to becoming a Chartered Wealth Manager, championing accessibility in finance and mentoring future talent. Reece brings nearly five years of experience across private client and portfolio management, building on his early career in PwC’s M&A division and his Master’s in Investment Management.

Together, their stories reveal how the next generation of wealth managers are redefining finance, blending performance with purpose and showing that impact matters as much as returns. From community leadership to client trust, this episode dives into what excites them about the future of the industry and what advice they’d give to students and aspiring professionals. 💡

Guest Contacts:

Wolfie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfie-papirnik-865474100/

Harjot - https://www.linkedin.com/in/harjot-wahiwala-acsi-894a36111/

Reece - https://www.linkedin.com/in/reece-smith-630452170/

🎥 Recorded: 4th September

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

3:11 - Origin Stories: Three Unique Paths into Finance 💡

8:46 - The Value of a Master's, Professional Exams & Taking a Gap Year ✈️

14:34 - Early Career Lessons from Goldman Sachs & PWC ✍️

21:05 - The Brutal Reality of Breaking In: "A Thousand Applications" 💥

28:16 - The Secret to a Successful Interview? Be Yourself. 🤝

37:09 - Life at RBC Brewin Dolphin: Culture, People & Purpose 💼

44:50 - A Day in the Life: From Private Clients to Portfolio Management 📈

47:40 - The Fulfilling Work of the Midlands Charity Team 🙏

54:31 - Personal Impact & The Drive to Give Back 🌍

1:05:15 - The Biggest Lessons Learned in Their Careers 🧠

1:08:18 - Proudest Moments & The Power of Small Wins ✨

1:15:13 - The Biggest Takeaway for Aspiring Professionals 💌

1:16:24 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk/

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

From Mumbai to McKinsey, to building decks and community... ✍🏼

Welcome to the TWENTY-FIFTH episode of The Smart Money Show! We’re joined this week by Vedika Akhramka, a London-based consultant at McKinsey & Company and founder of What’s Her Network, a thriving community of 300+ young women professionals. Her story is an exemplar of agility and inclusivity. She has shaped strategy across industries, spanning aerospace to live music, while also championing spaces that empower women to connect and lead with purpose.

Vedika shares her journey into consulting and the lessons she's learned from working across diverse sectors. She also reflects on why building supportive, women-led networks matters just as much to her as climbing the corporate ladder. This is a conversation about resilience and creating the kind of purposeful community you want to belong to.

Guest Contacts:

Vedika Akhramka - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vedikaakhramka/

🎥 Recorded: 3rd Sept

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

2:49 - The "Bollywood Banker": An Early Start in Finance 🎬

3:45 - The First Internship & The Pivot to Consulting 🤔

5:00 - From Mumbai to the UK: A Journey of Independence ✈️

8:30 - University Lessons: Why Extracurriculars Matter More Than Your Degree 🎓

12:10 - The Strategic Master's: Reclaiming Uni Life Post-COVID 📚

17:51 - Inside Consulting: Luck, Networking & The McKinsey Toolkit 💼

23:20 - A Consultant's Life: From Live Music to Aerospace 🌍

28:46 - The Most Defining Factor for Your Career (It's Not Your Degree) ✨

32:11 - Founding "What's Her Network?": A Community for Women in Business 🤝

37:53 - The Future of Work: Overcoming Barriers for Women 👩‍💼

40:45 - Final Reflections & Career Advice 💡

43:22 - The Biggest Takeaway: Find What Truly Fulfills You 💌

44:47 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so

Smashing serves to banking burnout, forging a new path... 🎾

Welcome to the TWENTY-FOURTH episode of The Smart Money Show, where we're joined by Vitoria Okuyama. She first scaled the heights of tennis, ranking #118 in the world U18, before climbing the Citi towers on Wall Street, working as an IB analyst.

Three years in, she decided to step away from investment banking in a bid to find what truly inspires her and grow her ambition sustainably. Today's conversation explores what it takes to achieve such a high level, comparing sports with finance, and the importance of reflecting on your emotions when pursuing such high-pressure roles.

Guest Contacts:

Vitoria Okuyama -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitoriaokuyama

🎥 Recorded: 8th Sept

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

3:18 - The First Chapter: Forging a Pro Tennis Career in Brazil 🎾

7:55 - The Pivot: Why She Swapped the Tennis Court for Finance 💼

11:01 - College Life as a Student-Athlete & The Mental Toll 🧠

14:39 - Breaking In: The Unconventional Grind for a "Dream" Internship ✍️

20:04 - The Reroute: Using a Master's for a Second Chance at Wall Street 🔄

21:42 - Landing the Job: How Networking Got Her into Citi 🏦

24:24 - The Brutal Reality of Wall Street: 10 AM to 4 AM & Burnout 😨

28:04 - A Full Circle Moment: Pride, Pain & What She Learned 🌟

37:28 - The Recovery Journey: "It's Easier to Repair Than to Rebuild" ✨

42:39 - Life After Banking: The Next Chapter of Reinvention 🗺️

45:21 - Final Reflections & Career Advice 💡

48:23 - The Biggest Takeaway: Reverse-Engineer the Life You Want 💌

49:16 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so

A guest who’s fast-tracked their way through corporate life while helping others do the same... 🚀

Our TWENTY-THIRD episode features Jag Dhaliwal, a Chartered Accountant, Career Coach, and Content Creator with over 8 years of experience at the Big 4 and IBM. Jag brings first-hand insight into both the highs and the challenges of professional growth!

Beyond her corporate journey, Jag has built a thriving coaching practice, a YouTube community of 4,000+ subscribers, and also hosts the ICAEW Student Insights podcast, guiding the next generation of finance professionals.

In this energising convo, we explore Jag’s career story, her strategies for balancing exams and life, and her advice on building careers with confidence and purpose. A must-listen for ambitious young professionals ready to shape a path that aligns with their ambitions. 🤝

Guest Contacts:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jag-dhaliwal-aca-504b2584/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jagsjourneyblog/

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jagsjourneyblog

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@jagsjourneyblog/videos

Website - https://jagsjourney.blog/

🎥 Recorded: 2nd Sept

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

3:12 - An Ambitious Start: Grammar School, Maths & Early Career Focus 🎓

7:44 - The Unconventional Pivot: Why She Took a Year Out to Teach 👩‍🏫

15:16 - The First Corporate Job: Lessons in Professionalism at IBM 💼

22:06 - The ACA Exam Grind & Surviving the "Busy Season" 📚

26:05 - The Fast Track: Secrets to a Double Promotion in Under 4 Years 🚀

36:32 - The Most Important Skills for a Corporate Career Today 🔑

40:32 - The Side Hustle Story: Blog, YouTube & The ICAEW Podcast 🎙️

50:35 - The Power of Personal Branding (And Her Book) ✍️

54:02 - Final Reflections & Career Advice ✨

58:59 - The Biggest Takeaway: "Just Go For It" 💌

1:01:12 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

Another month has ended, which means another recap episode is due… 📉📈

Welcome to the TWENTY-SECOND episode of The Smart Money Show! As always, Dylan Ilett takes the lead on equities, while Wahy Yahya brings fresh insights from the FICC side.

We kick off with the latest UK and US economic data, before digging into BofA’s ultra-short FX calls, the moves in FTSE and the S&P 500, and why a harsh drought is sending grain prices sharply higher. 🌾

On the equity front, we break down NVIDIA’s latest earnings and new US deal, plus take a look at how China’s rally and renewed EM flows are shaping global sentiment. Meanwhile, Wahy unpacks the surge in 30-year gilt yields back to 1998 levels, the slide in sterling as the dollar rebounds, and the BoE’s updated view on how QT is feeding through to the market.

Whether you’re following macro, FX, or equities, this episode is loaded with sharp insights and clear takeaways to help you cut through the noise. 🔍

Guest Contacts:

Dylan Ilett - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-ilett/

Wahy Yahya - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wahy-yahya-1b1563301/

🎥 Recorded: 29th August

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

2:34 - UK Macro Data: "Sticky" Inflation & The BoE's Rate Cut 🇬🇧

6:01 - US Macro Data: Strong GDP vs. Labor Market Concerns 🇺🇸

9:48 - Are Investment Banks Trading Like Hedge Funds? 🤔

13:24 - S&P 500 vs. FTSE 100: A Performance Breakdown 📊

18:05 - A Looming Crisis? Droughts & The Risk of Food Inflation 🌽

22:00 - The Nvidia Story: Earnings, Customer Risk & The China Deal 💻

29:31 - The Bond Market's Warning: UK Gilts Near 1998 Highs ⚠️

35:10 - A Surprising Insight on Index Concentration Risk 🧐

39:05 - The China Rally: An Unexplained Surge 🇨🇳

42:37 - FX Deep Dive: Sterling vs. The Dollar (Cable) 💷💵

45:43 - The Great Rotation: Why Fund Managers Favour Emerging Markets 🌍

52:22 - Understanding Quantitative Tightening (QT): A Key Policy Tool ⚖️

54:44 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk/

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

If you’ve ever wondered how the real mechanics of global financial markets work, today’s guest is someone you’ll want to hear from... 👇🏼

Welcome to the TWENTY-FIRST episode of The Smart Money Show! We’re joined by Michael Seigne, a seasoned execution specialist with over three decades of experience at the sharpest edge of trading and markets. From Managing Director at Goldman Sachs to Global Head of Execution Services at Redburn, Michael has built a career defined by precision and leadership. ⚡️

In 2022, he took all that experience and founded Candor Partners, a mission-driven firm helping listed companies improve the way share transactions, especially buybacks, are executed. His vision? To bring more transparency and efficiency to capital markets. 📈

Whether you’re aiming for a career in markets or just love a good story from someone who’s seen it all, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 

Guest Contacts:

Michael Seigne - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-seigne/

🎥 Recorded: 28th July

Chapters: 

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

3:46 - An Unconventional Start: From Medic to Engineer in Hong Kong 🇭🇰

8:52 - The "Random Walk" into Finance & The Goldman Sachs Grind 🏦

28:40 - Inside Goldman's Culture: The 6-Month "Military-Esque" Training 🤝

32:30 - Leadership Lessons & Navigating a 22-Year Career 📈

38:46 - Hiring Philosophy: The 3 Things That Matter Most 📝

43:18 - Execution 101: What Happens When You Hit "Buy"? 👨‍💻

48:42 - Man AND Machine: The Reality of Algorithmic Trading 🤖

55:16 - The Power of Humility: "I Know Virtually Nothing" 🤔

58:28 - Founding Candle Partners: Identifying a Billion-Pound Problem 💡

1:10:55 - How Inefficient Buybacks are Harming UK Markets 📉

1:23:46 - Final Reflections & Career Advice ✨

1:27:45 - The Biggest Takeaway: "It's a Team Sport" 💌

1:28:35 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk/ Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

A guest who’s seen it all, from all sides of finance… 💡

Our TWENTIETH episode’s guest has PLENTY of experience, in senior offices at multiple respected financial firms! Robert Donald has worked across the buy and sell side, covering the breadth of finance in corporate finance, equity research, portfolio management and hedge funds.

In this milestone conversation with our prolific guest, we zoom back to the beginning, trace the path Robert took, unpicking his reflections, learnings and lessons for us at the beginning of our career. A valuable episode, offering a holistic view of financial services - dive in! 🤝

Guest Contacts:

Robert Donald - https://www.linkedin.com/in/donald-robert/

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

3:42 - The Origin Story: The 10-Year-Old Who Read Annual Reports 📚

7:12 - Entering the City: Surviving the "Big Bang" Era 🔥

11:29 - The Pivot to Equity Research & Why He Left the Sell-Side 🚶‍♂️

17:22 - Entering the Hedge Fund World at GLG 💼

21:16 - What is a Long-Short Portfolio Manager? A Breakdown 📊

27:00 - Buy-Side vs. Sell-Side: Incentives, Risk & Exploiting Fear 😱

29:28 - Building at Schroders: The Helix & GIA Platforms 🚀

40:55 - Lessons from 40 Years of Market Crises 🌪️

45:26 - The Sailboat Analogy: A Masterclass in Risk Management ⛵

46:39 - A Veteran's Warning: Is the Market Priced for Perfection? 🤔

52:37 - What is "Risk"? A Multifaceted Definition ⚠️

55:18 - Final Reflections & Career Advice ✨

1:01:23 - The Biggest Takeaway: Be Curious, Work Hard, Stay Humble 💌

1:02:29 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk/

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

One man, two continents, and a financial career map that says you can do it all... 🤩

Welcome to the NINETEENTH episode of The Smart Money Show! This week, we're joined by Nomaan Riaz, a career warrior whose path through the financial world has spanned investment banking, private credit, venture capital, and now fintech in Dubai’s growing financial hub.

This episode we talk about how to break into the toughest corners of finance, what it’s like to switch lanes between vastly different roles, and how a career in Dubai really shapes up. Along the way, Nomaan shares the lessons learned from rejections, the skills that transfer across sectors, and the mindset that has kept him moving forward.

So if you're curious about high-stakes banking, the art of spotting a winning founder, or building a global career with agility then this episode is packed with perspective you need.

Guest Contacts:

Nomaan Riaz - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nomaan1/

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

3:17 - The Hustler's Origin: From Lollipops to Lip Kits 🍭

8:32 - Overcoming the "Small Town Mindset" & Moving to London 🚀

17:07 - Breaking In: First Internships & Realisations 🏦

24:24 - The Brutal Rejection Story: Lazard & The Lawnmower Question 💥

35:07 - The Power of Your Circle: Lessons from Friendships 🤝

40:44 - Career Snapshot Part 1: Private Credit at Pemberton 💼

47:28 - Career Snapshot Part 2: Inside a "Dragon's Den" VC Firm 🐲

58:16 - How to Assess a Founder: The VC Investor's Mindset 🤔

1:05:04 - The Big Leap: Why He Left VC for a Startup in Dubai ✈️

1:14:40 - The Key to Progress: "Ease is a Greater Threat than Hardship" 🧠

1:15:49 - Final Reflections & Career Advice ✨

1:21:30 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk/

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

It's been a while since we've had a recap, but we're back with a NEW face… 📉📈

Welcome to the EIGHTEENTH episode of The Smart Money Show! As usual, we're joined by our Head of Equities, Dylan Ilett, but also by our new Head of FICC, Wahy Yahya!

From breaking US and UK macroeconomic data to shifting bond market dynamics, we break down what the latest numbers reveal about the global economy and what investors might be missing. We dig into the early wave of US bank earnings, the explosion in clearing volumes, and what the latest warnings from Goldman and BofA could mean for equity markets. Is sentiment starting to crack or just cooling off? 🤔

On the macro side, we cover the latest Trump developments, examine curve moves and widening credit spreads, and unpack why gold is back in focus with a setup that has some serious upside potential! Whether you’re just watching the credit space or following the flow in equities, this one is packed with sharp insights and clear takeaways.

Guest Contacts:

Dylan Ilett - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-ilett/

Wahy Yahya - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wahy-yahya-1b1563301/

Chapters:

0:00 - Welcome & A Major Team Update 🎙️

3:41 - Episode Agenda & Macro Data Kick-off 📊

4:36 - US Economic Data: Resilience Amid Tariff Talk 🇺🇸

8:05 - UK Economic Data: "Sticky" Inflation & Rate Cut Hopes 🇬🇧

11:11 - Bank Earnings Smashed: How Volatility Became a Goldmine 💰

15:11 - "Clearing Volume Explosion": The Market Goes Risk-Off ⚠️

19:36 - Are We in a Bubble? Goldman & BofA Warn on US Stocks 📉

26:52 - The Great Rotation: Gold, Silver & Platinum's Surge 🪙

32:48 - Trump's Latest Moves: Trade Deals & Suing the Fed? ⚖️

38:42 - Investor Mindset: Navigating a Trump-Driven Market 🤔

42:19 - FICC Deep Dive: Curve Dynamics & Credit Spreads 📈

47:18 - Tech Earnings Report: Big Tech Continues to Beat Estimates 💻

51:39 - FICC Profit Trends: How Trading Desks are Thriving 🏦

54:34 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk/

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

Welcome to the SEVENTEENTH episode of The Smart Money Show! 💥

For this week's episode we're joined by Jesse Hall, an Investment Banking Associate at J.P. Morgan, currently working in the Financial Institutions Group (FIG) team in London. Born and raised in South West London, Jesse took a leap after A-levels to study Financial Mathematics at the University of Nottingham, where his journey into finance truly began. From student investment societies to mastering technical skills, he laid the groundwork early.

After university, Jesse kicked off his career at KPMG, qualifying as both a Chartered Accountant and CFA charterholder. Now at J.P. Morgan, he’s spent the past three years advising FIG clients across Europe from the heart of Canary Wharf. In this episode, Jesse shares practical advice on navigating the demanding world of investment banking covering everything from building credibility, surviving long hours, and continuously investing in your own development. A must-listen for any aspiring banker or curious mind! 💼

Guest Contacts:

Jesse Hall - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessejameshall/

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

3:01 - An Unconventional Start: From Car Boot Sales to Wimbledon 🎾

8:04 - The University Journey & Finding a Focus 🎓

11:50 - The Chartered Accountant "Floor": Starting at a Big Four 🏢

15:12 - The Strategic Climb: From Audit to FIG M&A 🚀

21:02 - The Lateral Move: Breaking into JP Morgan 💼

31:55 - Culture Shock & The Push for Perfection 💥

35:40 - A Day in the Life of an IB Associate 📈

42:33 - Investment Banking 101: A Breakdown for Students ✍️

50:38 - Advice for Breaking In & Navigating Your Career 🧠

55:29 - What Does Success Look Like? Plans & Final Reflections ✨

1:00:48 - The Biggest Takeaway: Your Journey Isn't Set in Stone 💌

1:01:30 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk/

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

Welcome to the SIXTEENTH episode of The Smart Money Show! 🔥

Today, Ali and Noman chat to Agbolade Oduniyi. Agbolade started on the buy-side, pursuing asset management at Wellington Management, then pivoting to strategy consulting at firms including Accenture. Now, he’s the founder of FO Perspectives, focused on attracted diverse and underrepresented backgrounds in early careers, connecting talented students (like you, our audience 😉) with employers. 🤝

In the conversation, we start with his financial roots (with 3 internships in 3 years at uni!), before discussing how he found his career shifts and explore his work with FO Perspectives now. A unique career journey, we hope you enjoy hearing all about it! 🫡

Guest Contacts:

Agbolade Oduniyi - https://www.linkedin.com/in/agbolade-o-724288106/

FO Perspectives - https://linktr.ee/foperspectives

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

3:41 - Early Influences & Finding Finance 💡

7:35 - University Journey & The Power of Networking 🎓

10:32 - The "Try Everything" Internship Strategy 🌍

13:54 - Does Your School Define You? A Take on Imposter Syndrome 🤔

17:35 - The Pivot: From Asset Management to Consulting 🚀

22:21 - How to Successfully Switch Industries (The Blueprint) 📝

25:24 - Asset Management vs. Consulting: How to Break In 📊

32:30 - The Founding of FO Perspectives 📈

40:01 - The Reality of Entrepreneurship vs. a Corporate Job 💼

41:42 - How FO Balances Student Needs & Employer Agendas ⚖️

46:43 - Advice for Students: How to Stand Out & Succeed 🌟

51:34 - The Future of Hiring: Are CVs Becoming Obsolete? 📄

54:48 - Final Reflections & The Biggest Takeaway 💌

1:00:06 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk/

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

Staying true to who you are, and still climbing the ranks... 💨

Welcome to the FIFTEENTH episode of The Smart Money Show! Abrar Azad didn’t follow the textbook path. Born and raised in Bolton, he’s now an Assistant Vice President at Deutsche Bank, and the youngest-ever Chair of the firm’s Muslim Network. But his story isn’t just about promotions or titles. It’s about identity, community, and rewriting what success in the City should look like.

We delve into some really pertinent topics including what it’s like to bring faith into finance, why community work isn’t just a side hustle, and how ambition and authenticity can actually coexist. Whether you’re trying to break into the industry, break out of imposter syndrome, or just break the mould, Abrar’s story will leave you thinking bigger and bolder.

Guest Contacts:

Abrar Azad - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abrar-azad/

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

3:31 - Bolton Roots & The Value of Hard Work 💪

7:44 - University Strategy: The Power of Extracurriculars 🎓

12:36 - Staying Grounded & The Importance of Your Roots 🌳

15:45 - The Unconventional Journey into Banking 🚀

19:44 - Bouncing Back: How to Turn Setbacks into Opportunities ✨

24:20 - Student to Professional: Mindset, Excel & Imposter Syndrome 💼

29:45 - A Day in the Life: AVP in the UK CFO Office 📈

35:13 - The Most Important Skill in Finance? People. 🤝

38:28 - Navigating Corporate Life as a Muslim Professional 🙏

43:07 - Leading the Deutsche Bank Muslim Network 🌍

48:13 - The Future of Faith & Cultural Inclusion at Work 🕊️

54:30 - Final Reflections & Career Advice ✨

58:21 - The Biggest Takeaway: The Power of Community 💌

1:00:06 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://www.thesmartmoneyshow.co.uk/

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

Welcome to the FOURTEENTH episode of The Smart Money Show! 💸

This week, we’re joined by Antony Wilson, a second-year Investment Analyst at Lane, Clark & Peacock, one of the UK’s leading firms in pensions and investment consulting! Antony’s story is proof that there’s no “right” path into finance, he studied Biomedical Sciences at the University of Manchester, sat CFA Level 1 off his own back, and is now a CFA Level 3 pass-holder working closely with clients to shape long-term investment strategy. 📈

We dive into how he made the pivot from science to finance, what the CFA journey really takes, and how he keeps a strong work-life balance while thriving in a demanding role. An inspiring episode for anyone thinking about breaking into finance from a non-finance degree! 🎙️

Guest Contacts:

Antony Wilson - https://www.linkedin.com/in/-antonywilson/

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro 🎙️

2:29 - From Biomedical Science to Finance 🧪

6:47 - Transferable Skills & The Value of a Non-Finance Degree 🧠

11:10 - The Pivot: Independent Trading & The Application Grind 📈

24:34 - Conquering the HireVue Interview 💻

27:51 - The CFA Journey: Motivation, Funding & Management 📚

38:06 - CFA Level 1 vs 2 vs 3: The Brutal Reality 💥

42:25 - Is the CFA Worth It for Students Today? 🤔

46:49 - A Day in the Life: Investment Consulting at LCP 💼

53:10 - What Would Surprise Students About the Job? 😮

58:09 - Future Plans & Final Reflections ✨

1:01:31 - The Biggest Takeaway for Aspiring Professionals 💌

1:02:18 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://linktr.ee/thesmartmoneyshow

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

Welcome to the THIRTEENTH episode of The Smart Money Show! 💰

Nothing unlucky about this one, we’re at BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager! And we’re joined by Esmond Afranie who, in true portfolio diversification style, has a unique route into finance: he studied Biomedical Sciences at Warwick and is now in the European Fixed Income team at BlackRock! 🤯

In our conversation, we speak about how he found that journey breaking into finance, learn more about his role today and the social mobility initiative he founded, ‘Prosper Warwick’. A great listen as always! 🤝

Guest Contacts:

Esmond Afranie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/esmond-afranie-3a42271a6/

Prosper Warwick - https://www.prosperwarwick.com/

Chapters:

0:00 - Welcome 🎙️

3:02 - From Biomedical Science to Finance 🧪

9:04 - The Transition: First Steps & Pivotal Moments 🚀

13:02 - Navigating the "Why Finance?" Question 🤔

17:12 - The Internship Journey: From Spring Week to Grad Offer 📈

21:16 - What Made Him Stand Out? ✨

28:51 - Advice for Non-Finance Students Breaking In 🎓

30:37 - Founding Prosper Warwick: A Social Impact Story 🤝

40:08 - A Day in the Life: Fixed Income Analyst at BlackRock 💼

42:30 - Fixed Income Explained & The Learning Curve 🧠

49:26 - Future Plans & Final Reflections 🌟

53:55 - The Three Biggest Takeaways for Students 💌

55:43 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://linktr.ee/thesmartmoneyshow

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

Big-picture thinking, career clarity, and the kind of honest advice you won’t find in textbooks... 🚀

Welcome to the TWELFTH episode of The Smart Money Show! This week, we’re joined by Michael Brown, an award-winning market analyst and Senior Research Strategist at Pepperstone, whose work spans global macro, cross-asset strategy, and real-time market insight. From supporting over 50,000 clients across five offices to broadcasting market insights to thousands each week, his role is as fast paced as it is impactful.

Recorded live at Pepperstone’s London HQ, this in-person episode goes beyond the data. We explore Michael’s journey into finance, his early fascination with markets, and how he carved out a voice in the crowded world of research and financial media.

From decoding the macro landscape to building trust through clarity and consistency, Michael shares how he approaches research, handles high-stakes news cycles, and balances technical depth with clear communication. Whether you're a student trying to break into finance or an investor curious about how top analysts form their views, this episode is full of practical insights and career wisdom.

Guest Contacts:

Micheal Brown - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-r-brown/

Pepperstone - https://pepperstone.com/en-gb/

Chapters:

0:00 - Welcome 🎙️

2:06 - An Unconventional Path into Finance 🚀

4:33 - The University Degree: A "Filtering Mechanism"? 🤔

8:34 - First Role & The Pivot to Research ✍️

10:29 - The Reality of a Career in Markets: Beyond the 9-to-5 ⏰

13:50 - Navigating Crises: COVID vs. Predictable Events 🌪️

17:35 - The Macro Analyst's Framework 🧠

22:40 - Identifying Long-Term Market Themes 📈

26:16 - How to Break into Macro Research 🎓

29:14 - A Day in the Life at Pepperstone ☕️

36:13 - The Underrated Skill for Career Success 🤝

37:55 - Final Reflections: Proudest Moments & Advice ✨

40:34 - Biggest Takeaway & Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://linktr.ee/thesmartmoneyshow

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

It’s blockchain, broken down, but BY and FOR students... 💰

Here’s the ELEVENTH episode of The Smart Money Show! This week, we’re joined by Zeya Rabani, a blockchain developer turned CEO who's been working directly in the crypto space since 2019. From smart contracts to smart investments, Zeya’s journey through crypto is anything but ordinary. 💡

Now leading BIT10, a platform building index funds and ETFs for the top 10 cryptocurrencies, he’s making crypto investing more accessible for everyone whether you’re a fresh-faced student or a long-term believer in digital assets. We talk about how he got into the space, break down the basics of blockchain and DeFi, and even get some golden advice for students trying to navigate the crypto wave. 🌊

And that’s not all. Our very own Head of Crypto, Jeremy Orkonoe, joins the conversation to dig deeper into BIT10’s vision, development, and the future of crypto adoption!

Guest Contacts:

BIT10 - https://www.bit10.app/

Zeya - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeya-rabani/

Chapters:

0:00 - Welcome 🎙️

1:00 - Introducing Zeya Rabani

3:10 - Origin Story: From Web Developer to Blockchain Enthusiast 💡

9:19 - Early Hurdles: Dodging Scams & Overcoming Barriers 🚧

18:01 - How His View of Crypto Has Evolved Over Time 🤔

21:58 - Crypto & Blockchain Basics for Beginners ⛓️

28:44 - How Students Can Get Involved (Without Coding!) 🤝

34:18 - Deep Dive on Bit10 with Jeremy & Zeya 📈

40:24 - The Tech & Strategy Behind Bit10 ⚙️

48:42 - Can Index Funds Bridge Traditional & Crypto Investing? 🚪

52:19 - Zeya's Personal Philosophy & What Needs to Change in Crypto 🛠️

59:03 - Final Reflections & Key Takeaways ✨

1:05:41 - Outro 👋

As always, stay tuned to us weekly as we bring you unheard insights, professional guests and a few laughs! 💚

Check out our work and connect with us here: https://linktr.ee/thesmartmoneyshow

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.

Into double digits - here’s the TENTH episode of The Smart Money Show! 🔥

This week, you join Noman and Ali on a tennis court - yes, even they were surprised - serving up a roundtable featuring AlphaPicks. They are a three-man team of market traders, providing investors with high-quality ideas across multiple asset classes. 📝

And guess what, we’ve got the entire team on! Their Head of Macro Trading Strategy, Alex, one of their main investors, Jonathan, and the founder, Jesse, also their Head of Research. With them, we go into their story before AlphaPicks, what led to its inception and a roundtable rally of insights into researching and trading in markets. 📈

Enjoy diving into our longest ever episode - it’s a match winner. 🎾

Guest Contacts:

Alex - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-o-mahony-4333b456/

Jesse - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesse-williamson/

Kensington Tennis Club - https://www.kensingtontennisclub.com/

Alphapicks - https://www.alphapicks.co.uk/

Chapters:

0:00 - Welcome 🎾

0:46 - Introducing the AlphaPicks Team 📝

2:51 - Origin Stories: Sparking an Interest in Finance 💡

5:37 - The Founding of AlphaPicks & Early Challenges ✍️

8:45 - From a Top Bank to a Startup: Alex's Journey 🏦

10:33 - The AlphaPicks Philosophy: Teamwork, Mindset & Support 🤝

14:54 - Building the Brand: Strategy, Setbacks & Standing Out 🎯

20:47 - Behind the Scenes: How the Team Met & Cross-Pollination 🌐

40:54 - Trading Philosophies & Market Approach 🧠

50:19 - Trading Realities: Myths, Mistakes & Lessons Learned 💥

55:36 - Market Outlook 2025: Key Themes & Current Sentiment 🤔

1:06:44 - Advice for Aspiring Professionals 🎓

1:16:49 - Reflections & Key Takeaways 💌

1:22:39 - Final Thanks 👋

Please be advised, none of our episodes constitute as financial advice and we will never attempt to do so.