Ishika Lamba

The news is the UK #Election timing was greeted positively by the investment community. What happens in purdah and wash-up is of secondary importance as we think more about events after the election and the approach of the new administration. The news of the election has been a net positive swabbing away the uncertainty, and while there will be some contract hiatus this is expected, and to some extent ‘priced in’. Indeed, shares in companies like Bytes Software Services (62% of GII is Public Sector, where there will be little interest in buying the latest Microsoft software upgrade in the short term) did not weaken on the news. We look at NVIDIA, Endava, Xero and Workday to read the sector tea leaves. 

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Useful perspectives from this Real Deals round-table on the state and availability of private credit in the UK mid market. Key out-takes for me: - Credit remains available, but lenders are selective. Companies should be doing all they can to improve their investment story eg reduce risk, improve resilience, lay out better paths to value creation, document previous successes - Borrowers are focusing more on pricing than on the flexibility of terms (understandable since we are in a 'higher for longer' environment) - Not many defaults seen yet, "but maturities are drawing near and hedges are starting to come off, so businesses will eventually need to trade in M&A or refinance". Could these lead to rapid disposals and special situations? Or simply add fuel to the pressure to exit since 43% of the UK PE portfolio has been held for over 5 years and their IRR clocks are firmly ticking - Margins have tightened i.e. interest charges have come down because 1. the clearer economic outlook is improving certainty and the related risk profile of these assets and 2. Competition has increased because traditional banks have significant savings-driven reserves that they want to put to work. All in all, another welcome element for increased deal flow in H2. https://lnkd.in/ezmWavXV Jason Stone #debtadvisory #specialsituations

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🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 I am thrilled to announce that I have successfully completed the Financial Trading Programme (FTP) at King's College London! This rigorous programme has provided me with essential theoretical knowledge and practical skills in financial markets, trading strategies, risk & money management, and trader analytics. Key Learning Highlights: - Understanding financial markets and participants - Mastering asset class products and applications - Utilizing Bloomberg, Refinitiv Workspace, and other trading platforms - Analyzing trading risks and various order types - Exploring global economic statistics, technical analysis, and quantitative trading strategies Course Modules Included: - Economic Cycles and Market Interrelatedness - Credit, Inflation, and Central Bank Actions - Capital and Risk Management - Market Analysis: Fundamental and Technical - Fixed Income Markets - Trading Derivatives, Cash Equities, and Commodities - Quantitative Trading Strategies The FTP has prepared me for careers in trading, analytics, hedge funds, asset management, and more. A special thanks to my mentors and peers for their support. I am excited to apply these skills in the financial industry! #Finance #FinancialTrading #ProfessionalDevelopment #FinanceSector #CareerGrowth #KingsFTP #investmentbanking

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📉 Inflation down, rates easing—UK lending climate is shifting. Opportunity knocks for well-prepared borrowers! 🔑 💼 Navigating lender scrutiny on covenants and EBITDA add-backs is key. Get ahead with Gambit’s Debt Advisory insights. 💡 📊 As funding options grow, so does the importance of a focused strategy. 🤝 Connect with our team for expert support in this evolving market.

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Yesterday, I had the incredible opportunity to moderate the Buy-Side Panel at Imperial College Business School. A huge thank you to Kristina Tzetzos, Luke Morton, and Anita Borkowska for making this possible! 🙏 A special thank you to our Keynote Speaker, Torbjorn Haugen, who shared many valuable insights about what is like to work in a Hedge Fund, and what are some of the essential soft and hard skills to land a job on the Buy Side. Highlighting the importance of self-promotion—actively positioning yourself to break into the buy-side—, and the power of simply picking up the phone. Also very grateful with our experienced panelists, Anishka Prasad, Georgios Theodosiadis, Paris Nicolaou, José Maria Bragança Santos, Juan Buzaglo Vallée, & Jaykishen Gokani, who also emphasized on the importance of making yourself stand out from others by finding what unique value you bring to the table. They shared their experience on the buy-side, and that success isn’t just about technical skills, but also about showing how you can make a distinctive impact, and on being a people person. Building relationships, understanding client needs, and developing trust are as important as mastering the numbers. It was an eye-opening discussion filled with practical advice for anyone looking to break into the buy-side industry. I’m excited to apply these lessons as I continue my transformational journey in finance! #FinanceCareers #BuySide #PrivateEquity #VentureCapital #AssetManagement #HedgeFunds #InvestmentManagement #ImperialCollege #Networking #PanelModerator #ImperialCollegeBusinessSchool

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 💼 Calling all university students and recent graduates from Europe and North America who want to break into investment banking. Get... ✅ Free 2 day CERTIFIED course on Financial Modelling worth £1,000 ✅ The list of 100 investment banks that hire interns. ✅ The list of the top 400 investment banks in the UK. ✅ The 6 point framework on how to pitch an M&A deal in an interview. We will be discussing this in more detail with a case study in our next 2 day free course (worth £1,000) on how to break into banking. 👉 Make sure to... 1. Like this post 2. Comment 3. Share the post 👉 Send me a DM on LinkedIn with subject "2 day course" only when you have done ALL 3 tasks above and.. I will respond with a link to join the course today itself. 🛑 PS: Meant for students from Europe and North America only.

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Morgan Stanley leads $31m investment into international payments fintech Sokin organ Stanley Expansion Capital, the investment arm of the American banking giant, has backed London-based international payments fintech Sokin in a $31m investment. Other investors involved in the transaction include Aurum Partners, the family office associated with the American football team San Francisco 49ers, and former PayPal chief commercial officer Gary Marino, who will take a board position at the fintech. Vroon Modgill, Sokin’s founder and CEO, says that Sokin chose to take investment from the NYC-headquartered bank because it sets them apart from other fintechs. “It’s important for our customers to know that they’re working with a trusted company that’s backed by a tier one bank,” he says in an interview with Sifted. “We didn’t want to be just another fintech player, raising money from VCs for the sake of raising money year-on-year.”  Founded in 2019, Sokin provides around 500 businesses across different verticals — including freight, logistics and even Premier League football clubs — multi-currency accounts to manage international transfers and payments. Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is also an angel investor in the company. Modgill says that Sokin has been profitable for the last two years. Last year, the company reported a pre-tax profit of $4.5m with annual revenues of $11.5m. He claims that the fintech is currently on track to hit a profit of more than $10m this year. Big banks eye up fintechs Morgan Stanley’s investment in Sokin follows other financial institutions taking a larger role in funding Europe’s fintechs this year. According to data collected by Sifted Intelligence, the venture arm of American bank Citi was one of fintech’s most active investors in H1 2024, allocating capital to six European fintechs in the first half of the year. Natwest and Laser Digital, a venture capital firm backed by Japanese investment bank Nomura, also closed four deals each during the same period. Modgill described Morgan Stanley’s stake in the company as “significant” but said it was too early to think of the investment as a step towards a majority acquisition. Modgill will maintain a significant shareholding in the company and it will continue to operate as an independent entity. Currently, he says the company is focused on funnelling the capital into further growing the company’s global reach. Currently, around 45% of its clients are based in North America but Modgill sees Asia, South America and Africa as key potential areas for expansion. 👉More news https://lnkd.in/d94JgWBU Source Sifted #fintech #payments #banking

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Hear from Chris Dixon (Portfolio Manager) and Thomas Hickmott (Research Analyst) who shared some insight into UK discount retailer, B&M, a current portfolio company of the Global Equity Fund.   B&M is a quintessential example of a ‘Low-Risk Turnaround’ opportunity that the CI investment process seeks to identify. Chris and Tom discuss the latent value in the B&M turnaround story and provide an update on the portfolio during a strong period for global equities. Should you have any questions about the Global Equity Fund, I'd love to hear from you. More information on the Global Equity Fund can be found at: https://lnkd.in/gvRKsyK6

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It has now been a year since I joined the Investment Banking team (AVA Capital Partners) under AVA Capital Group ...and honestly, I don't think I can recognise myself anymore. Going from someone who wasn't so versed about the Capital Market space, To becoming someone who can handle multiple transactions end-to-end within the same space... Is not growth, I could have predicted. Absolutely Unprecedented! Coupled with the fact that this is my very first corporate job, ...I didn't think I'd be able to keep up with the pace, let alone thrive in such a fast-paced and high-pressure environment. Yet here I am, a year later, not just surviving but excelling. Each transaction has been a learning experience, with its unique challenges and opportunities. Whether it was preparing presentations, pitching financial services to prospective clients, securing commitments for capital raises, liaising with different parties on a transaction, or ensuring that all documentation was meticulously handled, each task gave me the opportunity to grow! I’ve gained a deep understanding of what it takes to bring deals to successful closures. But beyond the technical skills, it’s the personal growth that has been the most rewarding. My time management has been sharpened, my problem-solving skills honed, and I’ve become someone who can thrive under pressure without losing focus. It’s no longer just about completing tasks, but about anticipating needs, finding innovative solutions, and delivering value. Looking back, the journey has been nothing short of transformative! More than anything... I'm deeply grateful to God for his grace and guidance throughout my journey. It hasn't been an easy one but it has only been possible because of Him! Also... I'm grateful that I've been blessed with the most amazing team. They've been an immense source of support and I know for sure that my personal development would not have been so rapid without them. A year ago, I was stepping into the unknown, unsure if I would find my place. Now, I feel like I’ve found a part of myself I didn’t know existed – capable, driven, and ready for the challenges ahead! #Grateful #ProfessionalGrowth #InvestmentBanking #CapitalMarkets

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Get an exclusive access to Barclays’ latest assessment center questions for the Investment Banking Summer Internship 2025 in London 🎯 We give you: - Technical Questions asked during the interviews 📚 - Brainteasers and Behavioural Questions 🧮 - Tips ans feedback from Barclays bankers 👨‍🏫 - Case Study 📖 To receive the document: Like the post and comment your email ✉️

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🎓 I’m happy to share that I’ve started my MSc Investment Analysis at Aston Business School! My enthusiasm for analysing investments has always driven me to explore financial markets and the elements that drive asset performance. • This program will enhance my knowledge in areas such as equity valuation, risk management, and portfolio strategies. I look forward to engage and collaborate with fellow colleagues, faculty and industry professionals as I embark on this new chapter. Here’s to new challenges, learning, and growth! Aston University #AstonBusinessSchool #InvestmentAnalysis

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A £2.5bn 'Barratt Redrow' (BR) consolidation would see it become the UK's largest housebuilder. While not all M&A transactions we finance are at a £2.5bn debt quantum, the underlying reasons why firms merge, regardless of their industry / size remain the same: 1. Growth. BR would have a collective land pipeline of over 92,000 plots and the ability to build > 22,000 homes per annum. 2. Efficiency creation. BR could consolidate operations and save on procurement fees to the tune of £90m per annum. 3. Market share / diversification. BR would have a ‘premium’ homebuilder in its portfolio to compliment the first-time buyers and larger families it’s already synonymous with. 4. Shareholder value. In theory, BR should be in a better position to tackle economic headwinds and capitalise on synergies. It’ll be interesting to see whether the CMA signs off on this deal and whether the points above come to fruition. #merger #acquisition #finance #debt #barratt #redrow #smefinance #corporatefinance

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🚀 New Release on IBprep: Goldman Sachs - Full LBO Modeling Training 🚀 We’re excited to introduce a complete LBO modeling test from Goldman Sachs interviews, crafted to elevate your private equity and investment banking skills! This latest resource offers a hands-on approach, mirroring the challenging assessments you'll encounter in top-tier interviews. What’s Inside: 💻 Excel-Based LBO Exercise Tackle an LBO modeling test that simulates real interview cases, covering revenue projections, expense breakdowns, debt structures, and sensitivity scenarios. This is an authentic way to prepare for the demanding technical assessments in private equity and IB roles. 📘 Step-by-Step Solution Guide Get a comprehensive guide explaining each formula, assumption, and process. Gain not just technical skills but a full understanding of each component, bridging any gaps and solidifying your approach to LBO modeling. Why This Matters 🎯 Achieving mastery in LBO modeling sets you apart, proving you have the technical depth required in finance. With this LBO modelling test from Goldman Sachs, you’ll gain the confidence to excel in interviews and secure that competitive edge in your career journey. 🔗 Get it right here: https://lnkd.in/eCH-F-xz Ready to level up? Book a mock interview to put your skills to the test, or shop our insider materials for the ultimate prep.

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🌟 Curious About Equity Research? Here's What You Need to Know! Are you passionate about finance analysing markets and stocks, understanding company performance, and guiding investment decisions? Then a career as an Equity Research Analyst might be the perfect fit for you. In this post, I’ll be covering the essentials of this exciting role, including: 📌 What Does an Equity Research Analyst Do? 📌 Key Responsibilities 📌 Skills Required to Succeed 📌 Educational Background 📌 Career Path 📌 How to Get Started   What Does an Equity Research Analyst Do?   An Equity Research Analyst evaluates publicly traded companies to provide investment recommendations. By analysing financial statements, industry trends, and macroeconomic factors, they help investors in making informed investment decisions. Key Responsibilities:   🔴 Financial Analysis: Simplifies income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. 🔴 Market Research: Studying industry trends, competitors, and economic factors. 🔴 Valuation Modelling: Prepare financial models using methods like DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) or P/E ratios to estimate a company’s worth.   🔴 Report Writing: They have to publish research reports and investment theses. Skills Required to Succeed:   1️⃣ Financial Modelling Skills: Strong Excel & Valuation skills. 2️⃣ Analytical Skills: Analyse complex financial data and draw inferences from them. 3️⃣ Communication: Translating complex findings into simple, actionable insights. 4️⃣ Strong command on Excel, VBA & Python is required with PowerPoint skills. 5️⃣ Software Proficiency: Knowledge of Bloomberg Terminal, FactSet, and Capital IQ is required for pulling the live data of the company. Educational Background:   ➡️ A Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field. ➡️ Advanced certifications like CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), MBA, CA & CFI FMVA can give you an edge. Career Path:   1️⃣ Entry-Level Analyst: Start as a junior analyst or associate. 2️⃣ Senior Analyst: Lead research on specific industries or regions. 3️⃣ Sector Head: Manage a team and oversee broader strategies. 4️⃣ Portfolio Manager: Transition to fund management roles.   How to Get Started:   💡Skill Development: Enhance your financial modelling and valuation expertise through online courses. 💡Certifications: Enrol in CFA, CFI FMVA or similar programs to stand out. 💡Internships: Gain experience with financial institutions or investment firms. 💡Networking: Connect with professionals in the industry (LinkedIn is a great tool!). Conclusion:   If finance, investment strategies and stock analysis excite you, equity research could be your dream career. With the right set of skills and determination, you can build a successful career in this field. So, Start learning, stay curious, and take the first step toward this exciting journey! --------------- Follow me for more like this...Shivendra Pratap Singh Corporate Finance Institute® (CFI) #Finance #CFA

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It’s always nice to see lower mid market PE firms successfully raising capital. Yes, fund raising since beginning 2023 has shifted quite strongly into much larger hands making fund raising harder for the smaller funds. However, this news from Apiary Capital LLP shows that the mid market continues to have a compelling investment story to tell and owner-managed companies in this space that are looking for capital to grow should be encouraged. #privateequity #midmarket Stuart Clowser Francesca Merlini https://lnkd.in/ezdjEw3D

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I attended the Bristol Investment Fund Internal Stock Pitch competition. This was my first time attending a stock pitch, so I learned a lot by considering the strengths and weaknesses of each pitch. These were my key takeaways from the evening: ⚖ Demonstrating a thorough analysis of both the upside and downside lead to a believable and persuasive pitch. By considering the risks of a stock, such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain issues or regulation, the team could then explain how these were mitigated. This improved my confidence in their conclusions. ❓ Any assumptions made in the model must be justified. There were scenarios where situations were uncertain or data was incomplete. The best teams were able justify every modelling decision and estimate, showing their competence. 🏭 Knowledge of the sector is crucial. A strong understanding of industry dynamics, legislation, supply chains and competitor activity were necessary for teams to produce a convincing pitch. This was particularly important in open questions, where teams had to think on their feet to give well-reasoned answers. Congratulations to everyone who participated 👏

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We’re overjoyed to share that our candidate, Freya Irani, has secured her spot at not just one, but 3 top law schools: London School of Economics (LSE),King’s College London (KCL), and University College London (UCL) for her LLM program. At Crossroads Consultancy, we turn aspirations into achievements! 🎓🇬🇧 Here are 5 points to keep in mind- 1. Navigating the Maze:The path to studying abroad can be intricate, filled with various academic requirements and procedural nuances. A seasoned consultant knows the shortcuts and the pitfalls, making your journey smoother. 2.Tailored Strategy:Every student’s academic and career aspirations are unique. A wise consultant doesn’t just provide a one-size-fits-all solution; they tailor the admission strategy to match your personal goals and academic profile. 3.Insider Knowledge:Good consultants are equipped with the latest information on university requirements, scholarship opportunities, and visa regulations. This insider knowledge can be pivotal in securing your spot at a foreign university. 4.Stress Reduction:Worrying about grades and test scores is natural, but obsessing over them can be counter productive. A consultant helps shift your focus from stress to strategy, emphasizing preparation over panic. 5.Boosting Your Profile:A good Consultant offers insights into enhancing your application to stand out. Whether it’s suggesting extra-curricular activities or guiding on personal statements, they know how to add that extra sparkle to your profile.

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