S1E8 | Reduction in Force

In this episode of the Unofficial Companion Podcast to HBO Max's hit show Industry, hosts Jen and Kristen—both former investment bankers and teachers—dive deep into the financial intricacies and dramatic moments of Season 3, Episode 2 titled 'Smoke and Mirrors.' They kick off the discussion by analyzing the thematic significance of 'Smoke and Mirrors,' tying it to both magic tricks and the episode's plot centered around deception and storytelling in the finance world. They recount how the episode unfolds at the London Stock Exchange with the IPO of Henry Muck's green energy company, Lummi, caught in a frenzy due to a sudden power outage and the ensuing chaos on the trading floor at Peerpoint. The hosts compare this fictional IPO with real-life events such as the Facebook IPO disaster, adding valuable insights into IPO procedures, trading mechanisms, and the role of investment banks in supporting stock prices post-IPO. They explore the role of underwriters, the use of green shoes, and the pivotal decision-making and risk management during high-stakes trading situations. The hosts also bring forth significant comparisons with real-world financial scenarios, making this episode not just a recap but an enriching learning experience.Our Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE now with our M&A course included! Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist 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.

In this episode we delve into the intricate world of finance depicted in the Season 3 premiere, breaking down the complexities behind the IPO process, explaining key concepts such as leverage ratios, net debt, and the influence of natural gas prices on energy companies like the fictional Lumi. We also explore the regulatory landscape of public company financial disclosures and the strategic maneuvers companies make to prepare for a successful IPO.The discussion then turns to the significance of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, examining its impact on stock valuations and the broader market perception. We talk about the show's commentary on how ESG factors play into financial decision-making, client relations, and the reputational risks that come with moving towards more sustainable investments. Through the lens of the show's characters, they illustrate the real-world implications of these principles in modern finance.Additionally, the episode offers a critical analysis of the character dynamics and ethical considerations in the high-stakes environment of investment banking. The hosts draw parallels between the show’s dramatic narrative and actual industry practices, providing listeners with both entertainment and a clearer understanding of the financial intricacies that drive the plot of Industry. Whether you're a finance professional or simply a fan of the show, this episode promises to enrich your viewing experience with expert financial insights..To listen to our IPO 101 episode, click HERETo listen to the WeWork failed IPO + SPACs 101 episode, click HEREOur Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE now with our M&A course included! Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist 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.

In this episode, we break down the finance behind the Industry Season 2 finale—and without exaggerating, this might be our favorite episode yet. There was so much to dig into, starting with the trade that the whole season built toward: Jesse Bloom’s long Rican / short FastAid position.We unpack the insider trading angle, including whether what Jesse did was in fact insider trading. We get into the ethics behind Harper finding out that the anti-competition inquiry into Amazon’s acquisition of FastAid has been quietly dropped and shares it with Jesse — and then whether what Jesse does with that information is in fact insider trading since he didn't trade on that information itself but rather went on TV to will the inquiry back into existance (while simultaneously adding to his Rican position).  Because the episode references the legendary trade where “Soros broke the Bank of England” in 1992, we also break down that wild real-life story—something anyone aspiring to work on Wall Street should know. That leads us into a deeper discussion on how hedge funds can move markets, the mechanics of currency pegs, central bank credibility, and how macro traders think about asymmetric risk. The real shocker is WHO the brains behind that trade were because it's someone that all us in the US are VERY familiar with these days... and no it's not Soros.Finally, we look at how all of this plays out across the show's main characters: Harper’s decision leads to her firing, Yasmin is blindsided by Celeste, Gus gets caught in the fallout, and Rishi and DVD’s team pitch to Nomura doesn’t go as planned. We explore how team dynamics, sales credits, and firm reputation impact career progression on the sell side—and how optionality (or the lack of it) drives every character’s choices in the final moments of the season.Our Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE now with our M&A course included! Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist 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.

We’re back and breaking down Season 2, Episode 7 of Industry: “Lone Wolf and Cub.” This one is dense with real finance concepts—starting with Harper, Eric, and Rishi's attempt to “hit a bid away” and pitch themselves as a ready-made desk to rival firms. We get into how traders actually get paid, why comp guarantees are risky, and what it means to bring “client color” as your leverage in a job switch. Plus: why Rishi’s pitch as a prop-style trader who embraces client flow is more old school than it sounds—and why that still matters.We also break down how sales and trading teams actually work, the dynamics of headhunter-driven moves versus warm intros, and the very real consequences of interviewing without an offer in hand. For anyone trying to understand what’s real and what’s dramatized when it comes to switching firms, negotiating comp, and building leverage on the Street, this episode is basically a case study.On the character side, we unpack the growing tension between Robert, Nicole, and Venetia—and how the firm (and culture) handles client misconduct. Plus, Yaz is clearly in deeper than she realizes, and Daria pulls off what might be the best power play of the series. We wrap with our take on who’s up, who’s down, and what this episode gets right (and wrong) about how finance careers really work.Our Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE now with our M&A course included! Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist 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.

IIn this episode, we break down Season 2, Episode 6: "Short to the point of pain". The plot centers around FastAid, a company caught in the middle of a short squeeze reminiscent of GameStop’s 2021 rally. We analyze the mechanics of short selling, how hedge funds and institutional traders manage risk in volatile positions, and why liquidity and market perception play crucial roles in determining price action. The episode highlights how traders react to crowded short positions and the ways in which misreads on positioning can lead to significant losses. The discussion also touches on market-making, bid-ask spreads, and the importance of accurately assessing order flow in a high-pressure trading environment.Jesse Bloom’s reference to the Martingale betting strategy provides insight into flawed risk management approaches that have historically led to major financial losses. We break down how doubling down on losing trades can amplify risk, drawing parallels to hedge fund collapses and the dangers of overleveraging in financial markets. Additionally, the episode examines how narratives and sentiment, rather than fundamentals, often drive price action—echoing the GameStop short squeeze, where retail traders forced institutional investors to exit short positions at unsustainable prices. The FastAid trade also raises questions about the role of market makers, liquidity providers, and how short-term pricing inefficiencies can be exploited.Beyond the trading floor, the episode also explores the broader implications of professional decision-making in finance. Gus’s career shift highlights the tension between public service and financial ambition, mirroring real-world debates about the role of finance professionals in shaping economic policy. Meanwhile, the discussion of legacy and career trajectory reflects how individuals in finance weigh personal fulfillment against external expectations. As the episode unfolds, it underscores the high-risk, high-reward nature of trading and the broader structural forces that shape financial markets.Our Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE now with our M&A course included! Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist 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.

Season 2, Episode 5 titled Kitchen Season, kicks off with a discussion on the intricacies of investment banking promotions, specifically focusing on the elusive Managing Director (MD) title. Kristen and Jen explore how promotions in finance are not linear and often depend on numerous factors including firm politics, desk performance, and the candidate's rockstar qualities. They dissect Rishi’s predicament, comparing the rapid ascent of star traders versus those who languish in executive director roles for years.The conversation then shifts to the critical implications of mergers and acquisitions, highlighting a potential Amazon and FastAid deal that could spell disaster for smaller competitors like Rican. As Gus finds himself privy to insider information in his political role, the stakes rise significantly for Jesse and Harper’s financial strategies. Kristen and Jen break down the potential fallout from these corporate maneuvers and what it means for the characters involved.Listeners are then treated to an analysis of the recruitment strategies employed by investment banks, illustrated through Robert's experience at Oxford. They discuss how top-tier firms entice the brightest minds with promises of prestige and financial rewards, revealing the high-pressure tactics used to lure in future bankers. This episode is a must-listen for finance enthusiasts as it intricately ties personal struggles with professional growth in the high-stakes world of investment banking.Our Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE now with our M&A course included! Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist 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.

In this jam-packed episode of the Unofficial Companion Podcast to HBO Max's Industry, we dive into Season 2, Episode 4, There Are Some Women. This week, we delve into the nuanced depiction of compensation negotiations, or "comp season," exploring the implications of Harper's bonus reveal and the significance of her $25 million contribution to PeerPoint. What does it mean to be "paid at the upper end of the band"? And why do analysts and associates have their bonuses capped, even when they deliver exceptional results? We also touch on the regulatory requirement of "mandatory two-week vacations" in the trading world, designed to uncover potential fraud—a detail that adds authenticity to the storyline as Eric grapples with his sidelined status.We also dissect the fictional telemedicine company FastAid, a thinly veiled reference to the shifting healthcare market dynamics. From the challenges of last-mile care to the implications of Big Tech’s consolidation in the healthcare space, we discuss the real-world parallels of Amazon's acquisition of One Medical and how it reflects larger trends in private equity and telemedicine. The episode further explores the financial strategies of Yasmin's family office, raising questions about liquidity management, diversification, and the role of private equity in reshaping legacy businesses.Finally, we examine how power dynamics permeate every facet of the characters' lives—whether it's Eric's struggle for control, DVD’s attempts to outshine Harper, or Gus’s foray into politics. Mentor-mentee relationships become a recurring theme, blurring the lines between personal and professional. We’ll also analyze how these dynamics are often underpinned by issues of wealth, privilege, and ambition. Don’t miss this deep dive into the finance-heavy themes and human drama that make Industry such a compelling watch!Our Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE now with our M&A course included! Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist 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.

In this episode, we dive deep into HBO Max's hit show Industry Season 2, Episode 3, titled "The Fool." We unpack the intricate financial concepts and ethical dilemmas that drive the plot, exploring topics like block trades, private placements, proxy votes, insider trading, and more.We break down the logistics of block trades—massive transactions conducted outside public markets to minimize disruption—and how they differ from private placements, where securities are sold directly to strategic investors. With a focus on Jesse Bloom's 42% stake in RYKAN, we analyze the risks and implications of these financial moves.The episode also highlights the power of proxy votes, which enable shareholders to influence major corporate decisions without being directly present. We explore how ceding or maintaining voting rights can become a critical factor in corporate governance, mergers, and acquisitions—especially when conflicts of interest arise, such as suppressed information about RYKAN’s missing analysis.Finally, we delve into the ethical strategies behind long-term versus short-term financial decision-making. Harper's bold move to encourage Jesse to increase his stake in RYKAN at the cost of immediate dividends challenges the traditional focus on quick profits, emphasizing the potential for future market leadership.Join us as we dissect the financial intricacies and strategic maneuvers of Industry's gripping storyline, offering a nuanced look into the high-stakes world of hedge funds, corporate governance, and ethical finance.Our Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE now with our M&A course included! Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist 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.

In this episode of the unofficial companion podcast to HBO Max's hit show 'Industry,' Jen and Kristen delve deep into the financial intricacies presented in Season 2, Episode 2, titled 'Giant Squid.' They start by dissecting the concept of block trades, highlighting how institutions handle large stock transactions and the associated financial risk. The discussion ties this to a real-world example of a recent $2 billion block trade by Citi and the potential losses from such high-stake financial maneuvers when investor demand is miscalculated.Jen and Kristen also provide insights into Equity Capital Markets (ECM) and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). They explain the role of underwriters in building the order book and pricing the shares to ensure a successful IPO, emphasizing the importance of the roadshow in generating investor interest. They break down the differences between primary and secondary offerings, and discuss "rescue financing" in the context of private equity involvement.The hosts take a critical look at the private wealth management (PWM) sector as portrayed in the show. They discuss the stereotypes and realities of PWM roles, contrasting them with the fast-paced environment of institutional sales and trading. They underscore the impact of interpersonal relationships on financial success, using Celeste's mentorship of Yasmin as a case study. Through these discussions, Jen and Kristen not only enhance viewers' understanding of the dramatic plot but also provide a robust financial education.Our Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE now with our M&A course included! Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist 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.

In this episode of the unofficial companion podcast to HBO Max's hit show "Industry", Jen and Kristen dive into the premiere of Season 2, titled "Daddy." They provide a deep analysis of critical finance concepts such as block trades, sales credits, credit default swaps (CDS), and the impact of market volatility on trading desks. The duo examines how the show accurately portrays the challenges of navigating market disruptions, client relationships, and the competitive dynamics between sales and trading teams.A significant portion of the discussion revolves around the show's depiction of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on financial markets. Jen and Kristen offer expert commentary on the logistical challenges faced by trading desks during the market turmoil of 2020, including disaster recovery setups, the rapid adaptation to remote trading, and the implications for risk management and profitability. They also discuss how cultural shifts have altered workplace dynamics and the pressure to produce results in an evolving industry.Throughout the episode, Jen and Kristen analyze key plotlines, such as Harper's strategic positioning to land major clients, Robert's journey to assert his role in sales, and Yasmin's navigation of internal politics and client management. They provide sharp insights into the nuanced world of high finance, offering listeners an in-depth look at the industry's complexities and what it takes to succeed. Our Investment Banking and Private Equity Foundations course is LIVE now with our M&A course included! Shop our LIBRARY of Self Paced Online Courses HEREJoin the Fixed Income Sales and Trading waitlist 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.