<![CDATA[M&A Station]]>M&A Station is the podcast for investment banking professionals who want honest conversations about the industry they work in.

Hosted by Himanshu Singh, Founder of HSA Advisory and CorpFin Hub, each episode goes beyond deal league tables and market commentary into the careers, decisions, setbacks, and real lives of the people doing the work.

From bulge bracket to boutique, junior to senior, UK to cross-border. This is IB without the polish.

]]>https://riverside.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sun, 08 Nov 2026 21:29:52 GMTWed, 15 Apr 2026 14:49:23 GMT60Himanshu Singh<p>M&amp;A Station is the podcast for investment banking professionals who want honest conversations about the industry they work in. </p><p></p><p>Hosted by Himanshu Singh, Founder of HSA Advisory and CorpFin Hub, each episode goes beyond deal league tables and market commentary into the careers, decisions, setbacks, and real lives of the people doing the work. </p><p></p><p>From bulge bracket to boutique, junior to senior, UK to cross-border. This is IB without the polish.</p>episodicHimanshu Singhhimanshu.singh@hsa-advisory.co.ukno<![CDATA[Season 1: Episode 7 with Niketa Kosada]]>The conversation features Niketa, an executive director at Westpac Group, discussing her career journey from engineering to investment banking and corporate development. She reflects on her experiences in India and Australia, the challenges faced, and the evolution of her role in the banking sector. The conversation explores Niketa's journey in corporate development and investment banking, highlighting her experiences with significant transactions and the challenges of balancing work and family life. It also delves into her reflections on loyalty, cultural adaptation, and personal growth after moving from India to Australia.


Takeaways

  • Career evolution in banking
  • Importance of resilience in finance Significant transactions shape careers
  • Cultural adaptation fosters personal growth


Chapters

  • 00:00 From India to Australia: A Career Journey
  • 03:02 Early Days in Investment Banking
  • 06:05 Transitioning from Engineering to Finance
  • 09:10 The Role of Education in Career Development
  • 11:56 Investment Banking Insights and Challenges
  • 17:57 Corporate Development: A New Perspective
  • 23:51 Reflections on a Successful Career
  • 24:40 Navigating Complex Transactions
  • 31:36 The Journey of a Junior Banker
  • 33:26 Loyalty and Career Growth
  • 37:00 Cultural Adaptation and Personal Reinvention
  • 39:08 Pride Beyond Transactions
  • 40:42 Rapid Fire Insights
]]>bdfe1a92-567c-4e4c-bbfe-425f8d9c3996Wed, 28 Oct 2026 12:41:40 GMT<p>The conversation features Niketa, an executive director at Westpac Group, discussing her career journey from engineering to investment banking and corporate development. She reflects on her experiences in India and Australia, the challenges faced, and the evolution of her role in the banking sector. The conversation explores Niketa's journey in corporate development and investment banking, highlighting her experiences with significant transactions and the challenges of balancing work and family life. It also delves into her reflections on loyalty, cultural adaptation, and personal growth after moving from India to Australia.</p><p><br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Career evolution in banking</li><li>Importance of resilience in finance Significant transactions shape careers</li><li>Cultural adaptation fosters personal growth</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 From India to Australia: A Career Journey</li><li>03:02 Early Days in Investment Banking</li><li>06:05 Transitioning from Engineering to Finance</li><li>09:10 The Role of Education in Career Development</li><li>11:56 Investment Banking Insights and Challenges</li><li>17:57 Corporate Development: A New Perspective</li><li>23:51 Reflections on a Successful Career</li><li>24:40 Navigating Complex Transactions</li><li>31:36 The Journey of a Junior Banker</li><li>33:26 Loyalty and Career Growth</li><li>37:00 Cultural Adaptation and Personal Reinvention</li><li>39:08 Pride Beyond Transactions</li><li>40:42 Rapid Fire Insights</li></ul>no00:45:5717Season 1: Episode 7 with Niketa Kosadafull<![CDATA[Season 1: Episode 6 with Imran Akhoun]]>The conversation features Imran, a seasoned professional in M&A and corporate development, sharing insights from his unique career journey that spans both advisory and operational roles in the technology sector. He discusses the lessons learned from his experiences, the pressures of corporate development, and the evolving landscape of software and media M&A. In this conversation, Imran shares his experiences and insights on working in finance, particularly in M&A, comparing the cultural differences between Paris and London, and discussing the challenges and triumphs of his career. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and understanding the broader picture in the finance industry.


Takeaways

  • Unique perspective on M&A
  • Importance of adaptability in career Cultural differences in finance
  • Importance of adaptability in M&A


Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Imran's Career Journey
  • 02:01 Lessons from Early Career in Paris
  • 06:01 Transitioning to London and Corporate Development
  • 06:56 First Major Transaction Experience
  • 11:05 Managing Pressure in Corporate Development
  • 14:02 Significant Career Decisions and Opportunities
  • 17:53 Understanding the Needs of Corporate Development
  • 20:09 Insights on Software and Media M&A
  • 21:59 Impact of AI on Software Valuations
  • 26:09 The Unglamorous Side of Corporate Development
  • 27:18 Navigating Career Reflections
  • 28:09 Paris vs. London: A Cultural Comparison
  • 29:56 The Impact of Language on Career
  • 30:57 Landmark Transactions and Career Milestones
  • 35:04 Life Beyond M&A: Hobbies and Family
  • 36:01 Pride in Family and Personal Life
  • 37:01 Connecting with Imran
  • 37:59 Rapid Fire Insights
]]>7293cbf3-bb37-49ff-b714-bb77f2018a28Sun, 11 Oct 2026 21:28:45 GMT<p>The conversation features Imran, a seasoned professional in M&amp;A and corporate development, sharing insights from his unique career journey that spans both advisory and operational roles in the technology sector. He discusses the lessons learned from his experiences, the pressures of corporate development, and the evolving landscape of software and media M&amp;A. In this conversation, Imran shares his experiences and insights on working in finance, particularly in M&amp;A, comparing the cultural differences between Paris and London, and discussing the challenges and triumphs of his career. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and understanding the broader picture in the finance industry.</p><p><br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Unique perspective on M&amp;A</li><li>Importance of adaptability in career Cultural differences in finance</li><li>Importance of adaptability in M&amp;A</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Imran's Career Journey</li><li>02:01 Lessons from Early Career in Paris</li><li>06:01 Transitioning to London and Corporate Development</li><li>06:56 First Major Transaction Experience</li><li>11:05 Managing Pressure in Corporate Development</li><li>14:02 Significant Career Decisions and Opportunities</li><li>17:53 Understanding the Needs of Corporate Development</li><li>20:09 Insights on Software and Media M&amp;A</li><li>21:59 Impact of AI on Software Valuations</li><li>26:09 The Unglamorous Side of Corporate Development</li><li>27:18 Navigating Career Reflections</li><li>28:09 Paris vs. London: A Cultural Comparison</li><li>29:56 The Impact of Language on Career</li><li>30:57 Landmark Transactions and Career Milestones</li><li>35:04 Life Beyond M&amp;A: Hobbies and Family</li><li>36:01 Pride in Family and Personal Life</li><li>37:01 Connecting with Imran</li><li>37:59 Rapid Fire Insights</li></ul>no00:42:5416Season 1: Episode 6 with Imran Akhounfull<![CDATA[Season 1: Episode 5 with Sagar Sambrani]]>Sagar Sambrani, an executive director in G10 FX Options Trading at Nomura in London, shares insights into his academic journey, career transition to finance, and experiences in trading across different cities. He also discusses the reality of trading, the significance of risk management, and the impact of market behavior on trading decisions. The conversation covers Sagar's transition from trader to team leader, his experiences in different cities, the factors that drew him to London, and his personal interests and hobbies. Sagar shares insights on leadership, career transitions, and work-life balance, along with his preferences in trading and living. He also discusses the impact of market events and the importance of family in his life.

Takeaways

  • Academic excellence and a diverse background can provide a strong foundation for a successful career in finance.
  • The reality of trading involves risk management, portfolio management, and the need to adapt to market cycles and volatility. Leadership in trading requires understanding team dynamics and anticipating challenges.
  • Transitioning to a new city involves personal and professional considerations.
  • Maintaining work-life balance is essential for mental well-being and family growth.
  • The best city for living and trading may vary based on personal preferences and career goals.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Academic Excellence and Career Transition
  • 03:01 Transition to Finance and Interest in Markets
  • 04:25 Career Start and Experience in London
  • 05:45 Transition to FX Options Trading
  • 07:38 Understanding Market Behavior and Risk Management
  • 18:58 Perspective on Trading and Career Lessons
  • 23:37 Market Behavior and Trading Culture Across Cities
  • 25:17 Transitioning from Trader to Team Leader
  • 29:57 Moving Across Cities: Challenges and Decisions
  • 31:36 Factors that Drew Sagar to London
  • 36:22 Work-Life Balance and Personal Interests
  • 42:10 Rapid Fire: Insights and Preferences
]]>6915eee7-cbd5-453f-8447-953869cd5b9fMon, 24 Aug 2026 19:01:52 GMT<p>Sagar Sambrani, an executive director in G10 FX Options Trading at Nomura in London, shares insights into his academic journey, career transition to finance, and experiences in trading across different cities. He also discusses the reality of trading, the significance of risk management, and the impact of market behavior on trading decisions. The conversation covers Sagar's transition from trader to team leader, his experiences in different cities, the factors that drew him to London, and his personal interests and hobbies. Sagar shares insights on leadership, career transitions, and work-life balance, along with his preferences in trading and living. He also discusses the impact of market events and the importance of family in his life.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Academic excellence and a diverse background can provide a strong foundation for a successful career in finance.</li><li>The reality of trading involves risk management, portfolio management, and the need to adapt to market cycles and volatility. Leadership in trading requires understanding team dynamics and anticipating challenges.</li><li>Transitioning to a new city involves personal and professional considerations.</li><li>Maintaining work-life balance is essential for mental well-being and family growth.</li><li>The best city for living and trading may vary based on personal preferences and career goals.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Academic Excellence and Career Transition</li><li>03:01 Transition to Finance and Interest in Markets</li><li>04:25 Career Start and Experience in London</li><li>05:45 Transition to FX Options Trading</li><li>07:38 Understanding Market Behavior and Risk Management</li><li>18:58 Perspective on Trading and Career Lessons</li><li>23:37 Market Behavior and Trading Culture Across Cities</li><li>25:17 Transitioning from Trader to Team Leader</li><li>29:57 Moving Across Cities: Challenges and Decisions</li><li>31:36 Factors that Drew Sagar to London</li><li>36:22 Work-Life Balance and Personal Interests</li><li>42:10 Rapid Fire: Insights and Preferences</li></ul>no00:41:4615Season 1: Episode 5 with Sagar Sambranifull<![CDATA[Season 1: Episode 4 with Jaideep Kumar]]>The conversation covers the career journey of Jaidip Kumar, transitioning from Bangalore to Hong Kong to London, and the challenges and sacrifices faced in investment banking. It also explores the transition from engineering to investment banking and the impact of these experiences on career growth. The conversation delves into the importance of setting boundaries upfront and the passion required to build a career in investment banking. It explores career moments, KPIs, and the transition to the director level in investment banking. The discussion also covers specialization, adding value, and a comparison of institutions. Additionally, it touches on life outside investment banking, geographical journey, and a proud achievement outside investment banking. The rapid fire section provides insights and reflections on the journey from Patna to London via Hong Kong.

Takeaways

  • Career journey from Bangalore to Hong Kong to London
  • Transition from engineering to investment banking
  • Challenges and sacrifices in investment banking Setting boundaries upfront is key
  • Career in investment banking requires passion and excitement

Chapters

  • 00:00 Career Journey and Transitions
  • 02:37 Transition from Engineering to Investment Banking
  • 18:18 Challenges and Sacrifices in Investment Banking
  • 28:17 Setting Boundaries and Career Passion
  • 29:10 Building a Career in Investment Banking
  • 30:08 Career Moments and KPIs in Investment Banking
  • 31:04 Transitioning to Director Level in Investment Banking
  • 32:18 Specialization and Adding Value in Investment Banking
  • 34:34 Comparison of Institutions: HSBC, Barclays, and Jeffreys
  • 39:49 Life Outside Investment Banking
  • 41:41 Geographical Journey and Sense of Home
  • 45:08 Proud Achievement Outside Investment Banking
  • 47:14 Rapid Fire: Insights and Reflections
]]>5fe7872e-1f39-46ce-b956-f68b18445578Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:15:18 GMT<p>The conversation covers the career journey of Jaidip Kumar, transitioning from Bangalore to Hong Kong to London, and the challenges and sacrifices faced in investment banking. It also explores the transition from engineering to investment banking and the impact of these experiences on career growth. The conversation delves into the importance of setting boundaries upfront and the passion required to build a career in investment banking. It explores career moments, KPIs, and the transition to the director level in investment banking. The discussion also covers specialization, adding value, and a comparison of institutions. Additionally, it touches on life outside investment banking, geographical journey, and a proud achievement outside investment banking. The rapid fire section provides insights and reflections on the journey from Patna to London via Hong Kong.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Career journey from Bangalore to Hong Kong to London</li><li>Transition from engineering to investment banking</li><li>Challenges and sacrifices in investment banking Setting boundaries upfront is key</li><li>Career in investment banking requires passion and excitement</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Career Journey and Transitions</li><li>02:37 Transition from Engineering to Investment Banking</li><li>18:18 Challenges and Sacrifices in Investment Banking</li><li>28:17 Setting Boundaries and Career Passion</li><li>29:10 Building a Career in Investment Banking</li><li>30:08 Career Moments and KPIs in Investment Banking</li><li>31:04 Transitioning to Director Level in Investment Banking</li><li>32:18 Specialization and Adding Value in Investment Banking</li><li>34:34 Comparison of Institutions: HSBC, Barclays, and Jeffreys</li><li>39:49 Life Outside Investment Banking</li><li>41:41 Geographical Journey and Sense of Home</li><li>45:08 Proud Achievement Outside Investment Banking</li><li>47:14 Rapid Fire: Insights and Reflections</li></ul>no00:46:3214Season 1: Episode 4 with Jaideep Kumarfull<![CDATA[Season 1: Episode 3 with Dena Bellamy]]>The conversation covers Dena's unusual career transition from physics to investment banking, the impact of her scientific background on banking, her institutional experience, the effects of the global financial crisis, mentorship, and insights into public sector investment banking and World Bank annual meetings. Dena shares insights into the unseen side of investment banking, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, and the cultural dynamics of the industry for women. She reflects on her career, the appeal of joining HSA, and the role of a non-executive at Ecubake. Additionally, she discusses the importance of maintaining a sense of self outside of work and shares personal experiences related to sports and career balance.

Takeaways

  • Unconventional career paths can lead to unique expertise and perspectives.
  • Scientific knowledge can be valuable in banking, especially in dealing with science and technology-based industries. The unseen side of investment banking
  • Challenges of balancing work and personal life

Chapters

  • 00:00 Unusual Origin Story
  • 08:06 Career Progression and Institutional Experience
  • 13:13 Impact of Global Financial Crisis
  • 17:49 Mentorship and Public Sector Investment Banking
  • 26:22 The Unseen Side of Investment Banking
  • 32:00 Advising Family-Owned Business vs. Sovereign Wealth Fund
  • 38:04 Maintaining a Sense of Self Outside of Work
]]>b52baf5d-61c1-4f3a-aecc-55a816a533c3Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:44:38 GMT<p>The conversation covers Dena's unusual career transition from physics to investment banking, the impact of her scientific background on banking, her institutional experience, the effects of the global financial crisis, mentorship, and insights into public sector investment banking and World Bank annual meetings. Dena shares insights into the unseen side of investment banking, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, and the cultural dynamics of the industry for women. She reflects on her career, the appeal of joining HSA, and the role of a non-executive at Ecubake. Additionally, she discusses the importance of maintaining a sense of self outside of work and shares personal experiences related to sports and career balance.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Unconventional career paths can lead to unique expertise and perspectives.</li><li>Scientific knowledge can be valuable in banking, especially in dealing with science and technology-based industries. The unseen side of investment banking</li><li>Challenges of balancing work and personal life</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Unusual Origin Story</li><li>08:06 Career Progression and Institutional Experience</li><li>13:13 Impact of Global Financial Crisis</li><li>17:49 Mentorship and Public Sector Investment Banking</li><li>26:22 The Unseen Side of Investment Banking</li><li>32:00 Advising Family-Owned Business vs. Sovereign Wealth Fund</li><li>38:04 Maintaining a Sense of Self Outside of Work</li></ul>no00:43:4613Season 1: Episode 3 with Dena Bellamyfull<![CDATA[Season 1: Episode 2 with Sayan Bhattacharya]]>The conversation explores the depth of long-lasting relationships and the profound understanding that develops over time.

Takeaways

  • Long-lasting relationships
  • Understanding through time
]]>4e2a79bf-7423-4668-95a4-da9ed863039dSat, 30 May 2026 09:17:47 GMT<p>The conversation explores the depth of long-lasting relationships and the profound understanding that develops over time.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Long-lasting relationships</li><li>Understanding through time</li></ul>no00:38:0612Season 1: Episode 2 with Sayan Bhattacharyafull<![CDATA[Season 1: Episode 1 with Richard Clarke]]>The conversation with Richard Clarke covers his 31-year career at KPMG and the evolution of corporate finance over the years. The conversation delves into the core of client interaction and the enjoyment of advisory roles, the differences in advising global financial institutions vs. owner-managed businesses, the importance of life outside the deal, the impact of AI on jobs and careers, and a rapid fire round to conclude the discussion.

Takeaways

  • Longevity in a single firm
  • Evolution of corporate finance Client interaction
  • Advisory role

Chapters

  • 00:00 Longevity in a Single Firm
  • 28:16 The Core of Client Interaction
  • 36:58 Life Outside the Deal
  • 44:26 Impact of AI on Jobs and Careers
]]>c3c6f521-2a50-4026-afde-e0150a4e09fdFri, 15 May 2026 11:40:11 GMT<p>The conversation with Richard Clarke covers his 31-year career at KPMG and the evolution of corporate finance over the years. The conversation delves into the core of client interaction and the enjoyment of advisory roles, the differences in advising global financial institutions vs. owner-managed businesses, the importance of life outside the deal, the impact of AI on jobs and careers, and a rapid fire round to conclude the discussion.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Longevity in a single firm</li><li>Evolution of corporate finance Client interaction</li><li>Advisory role</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Longevity in a Single Firm</li><li>28:16 The Core of Client Interaction</li><li>36:58 Life Outside the Deal</li><li>44:26 Impact of AI on Jobs and Careers</li></ul>no00:45:4011Season 1: Episode 1 with Richard Clarkefull<![CDATA[Trailer: Welcome to M&A Station]]>M&A Station is the podcast for investment banking professionals who want honest conversations about the industry they work in.

Hosted by Himanshu Singh, Founder of HSA Advisory and CorpFin Hub, each episode goes beyond deal league tables and market commentary into the careers, decisions, setbacks, and real lives of the people doing the work.

From bulge bracket to boutique, junior to senior, UK to cross-border. This is IB without the polish.

]]>56fb8500-b128-41ae-9696-4d2d6e99623dFri, 17 Apr 2026 22:20:47 GMT<p>M&amp;A Station is the podcast for investment banking professionals who want honest conversations about the industry they work in. </p><p></p><p>Hosted by Himanshu Singh, Founder of HSA Advisory and CorpFin Hub, each episode goes beyond deal league tables and market commentary into the careers, decisions, setbacks, and real lives of the people doing the work. </p><p></p><p>From bulge bracket to boutique, junior to senior, UK to cross-border. This is IB without the polish.</p>no00:01:411Trailer: Welcome to M&A Stationtrailer