Wall Street's 2025 Plot Twist

How are banks beating expectations in a year defined by uncertainty? In this episode of the Searching Smarter podcast, host Jesse Skaff sits down with Lananh Nguyen, Finance Editor at Reuters, to unpack why trading desks are booming while M&A activity slows, and what that means for talent.

Despite geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty, markets have proven surprisingly resilient. Volatility is fueling deal flow, hiring is picking up mid-year, and this episode explores how institutions and individuals alike are adapting, progressing, and preparing for what comes next.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Why trading is outperforming M&A in 2025
• How volatility is fueling opportunity, not fear
• The hiring trends emerging mid-year
• Why leadership and culture still set firms apart
• What resilient markets reveal about institutional confidence

2025 isn’t business as usual - but it’s far from a downturn. If you want a clear, insightful take on the financial services landscape and what it means for hiring and careers, this conversation is worth your time.

Want to learn more?

At the Searching Smarter podcast, we speak to the brightest and boldest minds in financial sciences & services. From talent acquisition leaders and hiring managers to world-class professionals, we delve into all the ways they leverage top talent to drive their businesses forward. Listeners will walk away with expert guidance on how to attract, acquire and retain high-performing teams, as well as what it takes to be a part of one.

It's available on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.​ So listen, learn, and let us know what you think.