Internet Platforms and Network Effects

Technology

by Karl - May 9, 2020May 9, 20200

We talked quite a bit about the advantages and disadvantages of platforms over traditional pipelines, but there is one aspect that was glaringly absent. Network effect is a critical element of any platform, not only does it allow platforms to grow rapidly, but also allows it to defend itself against

How Platforms Disrupt Different Industries

Technology

by Karl - May 3, 20200

Through a cursory glance at the different internet platform companies, we see that although platforms permeate all industries, some industries are more disrupted than others. Certainly, platforms are superior to pipelines in some aspects, but the advantage does not persist equally in all industries. What makes certain industries more vulnerable

Introduction to Internet Platform Companies

Technology

by Karl - April 12, 20200

The advent of the internet has fundamentally changed how we live, consume, and travel. To search for information, we no longer turn to yellow pages or encyclopedias, but Google and Wikipedia. To buy gifts, we no longer need to go to the store, we can browse for widgets on Amazon

10 Implications of the Coronavirus on the Chinese Economy

by Karl - February 13, 2020April 4, 20200

With parts translated from an article by 水木然 The 2019 novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19, has been in the headlines for a few weeks. The deadly virus originated from Wuhan, Hubei right before Chinese New Year (CNY), and has since spread over China and subsequently the world. As of February 21st,

Interview with: Big 5 Commercial Banking New Grad – Interest Rates, Hours

by Karl - December 31, 2019December 31, 20190

Where do commercial bankers usually take clients? Personally, not a lot of knowledge about that – it’s almost always the account manager that does all the wining and dining. I am aware that it’s quite common to get valued clients in the box seats of a hockey game. The account manager

Interview with: Big 5 Commercial Banking New Grad – Getting In, Training & Orientation, The Role

by Karl - December 31, 2019December 31, 20190

How many commercial banking new grads are hired every year by the Canadian banks? In short, it varies. I know that CIBC and TD hire under 10 people per year. But on average, about 10 – 15 people per year. However, there is some occasional year-round/off-cycle hiring when someone quits/get promoted,

Differences Between Working in Investment Banking in Hong Kong and Singapore

Hong Kong

by Karl - October 14, 2019October 14, 20190

From an investment banker that has worked in London, Hong Kong and Singapore New York and London are so yesterday – Hong Kong and Singapore now service the world’s most relevant emerging markets in China and Southeast Asia (and India to some extent). What does it mean to work as an

Commercial Banking in Hong Kong

by Karl - September 18, 2019September 18, 20190

Written by a Vice President of Commercial Banking in Hong Kong Commercial Banking Career Path in Hong Kong Despite what you may see in the news, commercial banking in Hong Kong is booming still. If you go on LinkedIn, eFinancialCareers or indeed.com, you will find too many jobs to fill, from entry

Leveraged Finance Debt Capital Markets in Asia

by Karl - September 16, 2019September 16, 20190

Written by a bulge bracket investment banker in Asia Capital Markets in Asia Pacific Asia is the largest population center in the world and has the fastest growing economies. China and India need no introduction, but Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand – and a little later Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar) also

Investing in Pressure Pumper Stocks

by Karl - August 26, 2019November 26, 20190

Written by an energy investment banker Pressure Pumping Industry Introduction Pressure pumpers provide hydraulic fracturing services for oil and gas exploration & production companies. Hydraulic fracturing (or fracking or fracing) increases the flow of oil and gas via improving conductivity of the hydrocarbon (oil & gas) zone within an oil or gas