Gary Stevenson recounts his path from an underprivileged East London background to becoming Citibank’s most profitable trader. He details his specialty in short-term interest rate swaps, where he bet against the global economic recovery following the 2008 financial crisis. Stevenson describes the mechanics of the trading floor, the aggressive culture of high-stakes speculation, and the mathematical models used to predict market shifts. The narrative focuses on his realization that extreme wealth inequality creates systemic instability, leading him to abandon his career despite immense financial incentives and bonuses.
This book serves readers interested in the internal dynamics of investment banking and the psychological toll of the finance industry. It appeals to those seeking an explanation of how global wealth distribution impacts market behavior and monetary policy. Readers walk away with a cynical perspective on professional trading and a clearer understanding of why traditional economic models often fail to account for the lived reality of the working class. It provides a firsthand account of how financial institutions prioritize short-term gains over broader social stability.
- Published
- 2024
- Language
- EN
