Citi(US:C) 3 6 Ke·2025-10-28 09:30Core Insights - Gary Stevenson, a former trader at Citigroup, experienced rapid success in the financial industry but ultimately chose to leave it behind to pursue a deeper understanding of economic inequality and systemic issues [3][41]. Group 1: Early Life and Career - Gary Stevenson grew up in East London, facing poverty and challenges, which shaped his ambition to succeed in finance [1][6]. - He joined Citigroup in 2008 as the youngest trader in London and quickly became one of the top traders globally, managing thousands of billions in transactions [2][12]. Group 2: Trading Success and Strategies - During the 2008 financial crisis, Stevenson capitalized on the popularity of foreign exchange swaps, leading to significant profits for his department [15][19]. - He earned $12 million in his first year, a record for a new trader at Citigroup, due to favorable market conditions and a unique trading strategy [18][19]. - By 2011, he became one of the highest-earning traders, making $35 million for Citigroup in a single year [31]. Group 3: Psychological Impact and Departure - Despite financial success, Stevenson faced psychological challenges, feeling increasingly disconnected from his work and the growing wealth inequality around him [32][35]. - He ultimately decided to leave Citigroup, feeling that the financial system was rigged against the less fortunate and wanting to advocate for change [39][41]. Group 4: Post-Career and Advocacy - After leaving Citigroup, Stevenson pursued a master's degree in economics at Oxford, focusing on systemic economic issues and wealth distribution [41]. - He established a YouTube channel and wrote articles to raise awareness about economic mechanisms and advocate for reforms in the financial system [44].