In this episode, Anthony and Stephen break down HSBC’s decision to scale back parts of its investment banking business, what’s driving the move and what it means for the industry. They also dive into Venture Global’s troubled IPO, WH Smith’s evolving retail strategy, and what Carlyle has to do with private yachts and prosecco vineyards!

(00:00) What's on the docket this week

(01:52) HSBC's Strategic Shift in Investment Banking

(11:26) Venture Global's Troubled IPO

(19:02) WH Smith's Retail Challenges and Opportunities

(30:33) Carlisle's Controversial Funding in Italy

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Join Anthony and Piers for a quick take on the latest news rocking markets Monday morning, as they unpack the trillion-dollar market sell-off sparked by Chinese AI startup DeepSeek.

This episode dives into the ripple effects of DeepSeek’s cost-efficient AI model, the mounting pressure on big tech to adapt, and the broader geopolitical stakes in the intensifying US-China AI race.

Tune in for insights on how this breakthrough has changed the dynamics of the AI race and the fortunes of the US stock market.

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In this episode, Stephen discusses the often misunderstood field of corporate banking, highlighting its significance within the financial services industry.

He explains the core functions of corporate banking, the career paths available, and the technical skills required for success in this area.

Whether you're considering a career in corporate banking or just want to understand its impact, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

(01:46) Welcome Back and Introduction

(04:43) Understanding Corporate Banking Functions

(06:42) Corporate Banking vs M&A pay comparison

(11:35) Skills needed to excel in Corporate Banking

(15:44) The Profile of a Successful Corporate Banker

(19:23) Recruitment in Corporate Banking

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Jargon Buster as promised!

Leverage Ratio

• What it means: Measures the relationship between a company's debt and its earnings (EBITDA).
• Why it matters: A high leverage ratio indicates a company is using a lot of borrowed money, which can be risky. Banks use this to decide whether to lend and at what cost.

Coverage Ratio

• What it means: Compares a company’s operating profit to its annual interest payments.
• Why it matters: Shows how easily a company can pay the interest on its debt. Higher ratios are better.

Service Ratio

• What it means: Looks at whether a company's free cash flow can cover both interest payments and debt repayments.
• Why it matters: Helps assess the company’s ability to handle its total debt obligations over time.

Gearing Ratio

• What it means: The ratio of a company’s debt to its equity.
• Why it matters: Indicates how much of the company is financed by debt versus shareholders' money. Higher gearing often signals higher financial risk.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.