Core 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].

Core Viewpoint - The article narrates the journey of Gary Stevenson, who transitioned from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful trader at Citigroup, only to leave the financial industry to expose systemic economic inequalities and advocate for reform through his book "The Trading Game" [7][63]. Group 1: Early Life and Career - Gary Stevenson grew up in a poor environment in East London, wearing hand-me-downs and dreaming of a better life [2][13]. - He began selling candy at school and engaged in minor trades, but these were not his true aspirations [3][4]. - In 2008, he joined Citigroup as the youngest trader in London, quickly rising to manage trading volumes in the hundreds of billions of dollars [4][20]. Group 2: Trading Success and Challenges - Despite his success, Stevenson faced insomnia and stress from the high-stakes trading environment [6][5]. - He participated in a trading game that tested his ability to maintain conviction under pressure, ultimately winning an internship at Citigroup [15][19]. - During the 2008 financial crisis, he capitalized on the demand for foreign exchange swaps, leading to significant profits for himself and his team [25][26]. Group 3: Insights on Trading and Economics - Stevenson learned that successful trading relies on recognizing when others are wrong, rather than merely being right oneself [34][40]. - He observed that economic models often failed to reflect reality, particularly regarding wealth distribution and systemic inequalities [41][63]. - His trading strategies often involved betting against prevailing market sentiments, which proved lucrative during crises [42][44]. Group 4: Departure from Citigroup - Over time, Stevenson became disillusioned with the financial industry, feeling increasingly detached from his roots and the struggles of the less fortunate [51][53]. - After a series of personal and professional challenges, he decided to leave Citigroup, marking a significant turning point in his career [59][63]. - Following his departure, he pursued further education at Oxford and began advocating for economic reform through various platforms [63][64].

Core Insights - The article narrates the journey of Gary Stevenson, who rose from humble beginnings to become a successful trader at Citigroup, only to leave the financial industry to pursue a deeper understanding of economic inequality and systemic issues [2][4][50]. Group 1: Early Life and Career - Gary Stevenson grew up in East London, facing poverty and challenges, which shaped his aspirations and drive for success [1][10]. - He entered the London School of Economics, distinguishing himself from his peers due to his background and experiences [9][10]. - In 2008, he joined Citigroup as the youngest trader in London, quickly becoming one of the top traders globally, managing thousands of billions in transactions [3][4][20]. Group 2: Trading Success and Challenges - Despite his success, Stevenson experienced sleepless nights and a sense of emptiness, leading him to question the true value of his achievements [5][6]. - He won a trading competition that secured him an internship at Citigroup, showcasing his unique approach to trading and market psychology [12][15]. - During the 2008 financial crisis, he capitalized on the demand for foreign exchange swaps, earning significant profits and establishing himself as a top trader [20][24][39]. Group 3: Insights on Economic Inequality - Stevenson observed that many traders lacked real-world understanding of economic issues, leading to poor decision-making during market downturns [27][32]. - He recognized the systemic nature of economic inequality, noting that wealth was increasingly concentrated among the elite while the middle class was being hollowed out [32][34]. - His experiences led him to believe that true change in the economic system required public awareness and action against entrenched interests [50][52]. Group 4: Departure from Finance - Over time, Stevenson became disillusioned with the repetitive nature of trading and the growing wealth gap, prompting him to leave Citigroup [41][46]. - After a challenging exit process, he pursued further education at Oxford University to study economics more deeply [49][50]. - He transitioned from being a player in the financial game to a critic of the system, advocating for reforms and raising awareness about economic disparities [50][52].