The Fin

Australian Financial Review

A weekly podcast from The Australian Financial Review that examines the biggest stories in business, markets and politics, and why they matter, explained by the best financial journalists in the country.

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100 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes100

Newest first

March 26 · 20 min
Inside Edge Episode 1: The Lithium Insider
In our two-part series, Inside Edge, we go behind the scenes of the corporate regulator's high-stakes war on insider trading. We trace the thin line between a "great piece of gossip" and a federal crime, revealing why this is the easiest law to break-and the hardest to prove. As a massive new crackdown looms, ASIC boss Joe Longo reveals his growing frustration with the courts: "The sentences aren't as strong as we would like." Find out if you're closer to the edge than you think. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 25 · 26 min
Australia’s new millionaires factory: start-up to $1.6b in 5 years
This week on The Fin podcast, Jonathan Shapiro and Emma Rapaport on what's behind the Magellan and Barrenjoey merger and whether there's enough room for another homegrown investment bank. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: Magellan merger delivers billion-dollar bonanza for Barrenjoey staff Since the merger was announced, Magellan’s shares have risen by more than 33 per cent, lifting the paper wealth of Barrenjoey’s 463 staff to over $1 billion Booming Barrenjoey swallows parent Magellan after only 5 years Barrenjoey and Magellan are tying the knot to create a mini-Macquarie in a $1.62 billion deal. We’d tip one side to dominate the merger. Lowy family takes major stake in Magellan after merger with Barrenjoey Steven Lowy, a principal of Lowy Family Group, the family’s private investment business and family office, said it had a long history with Magellan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 20 · 33 min
Oliver Curtis on Firmus: From prison barber to AI billionaire
Technology reporter Amelia McGuire and Chanticleer columnist Anthony Macdonald on whether Curtis' AI start-up Firmus can live up to the hype. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: Firmus lands $600m-plus annual tech giant deal as it eyes ASX float The artificial intelligence start-up has already announced a $70 billion plan to work with Nvidia and CDC Data Centres on facilities across the country. Firmus plans mid-year IPO after sealing $14b Blackstone deal The AI data centre provider co-founded by Oliver Curtis has secured the huge debt facility to build its so-called AI factories across Australia. The new iron ore: Can AI ‘tokens’ become Australia’s next great export? Having exhausted excess power in the US, the tech giants want to have AI factories in Australia. Are we the lucky country again, or is it all a trick? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 11 · 30 min
Kyle and Jackie O: Inside media's biggest split
This week, media reporter Sam Buckingham-Jones on the radio stars' falling out and whether ARN can use it to exit one of the worst deals in Australian media history. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: Kyle Sandilands fires back at ARN: ‘I am not in breach’ The high-profile radio personality says his employer denied him due process after it accused him of serious misconduct and cut up a $200 million contract. Jackie O declares: ‘I did not quit’ radio show In a statement on Friday Jackie Henderson said she was “deeply saddened by the events of the past week” after her radio partnership with Kyle Sandilands ended. Kyle and Jackie O’s radio rift was about more than star power The pair’s two-decade run atop broadcasting with the most expensive show of its kind has come to a sudden and acrimonious end. We look inside the implosion. ‘There is no line’: how Kyle Sandilands thrives in the cancel culture era The radio host on his record-breaking contract, expanding business empire and what the PM did at his wedding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
March 4 · 26 min
The copper pivot: BHP looks beyond the Iron Age
This week, resources reporter Peter Ker on the challenges ahead for Australia’s iron ore industry, why copper is booming and what miners are doing to ensure the country remains a resources powerhouse. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: Iron ore giants face billion-dollar hit from China-backed price switch A new index for the country’s most lucrative export has been lower than the long-time benchmark for the vast majority of days since it was launched this year. Size counts in mining’s game of relevance, but not that much Glencore BHP and Rio shares are at record highs and their bosses are being courted at the White House. So how can Glencore boss Gary Nagle say they’re irrelevant? Copper displaces iron ore as BHP’s best earner, supercharging profits The Big Australian, like its rivals, pivoted towards commodities critical to the energy transition, with production of the red metal to grow 25 per cent by 2035. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 25 · 31 min
The ‘SaaSpocalypse’: Something big (and scary) is happening in AI
This week Technology editor Paul Smith and Chanticleer columnist James Thomson on why financial markets are suddenly spooked, which businesses are most at risk from AI disruption and whether the concern is overblown. This podcast is sponsored by Vanta Further reading: WiseTech drops Australia’s first AI jobs bomb Rapid, large-scale deployment of artificial intelligence is happening, with the companies most at risk of disruption leading the charge. AI comes for the software giants, and Australia is no safe haven One venture capitalist warns there will be “roadkill”. Another says the market is “schizoid”. Artificial intelligence is making tech increasingly turbulent. Anthropic co-founder Dario Amodei warns AI has the potential to tear society apart Dario Amodei’s Anthropic is behind the most popular AI platform for businesses worldwide, but he has serious worries about the technology tearing society apart. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 18 · 33 min
Change or die: can Angus Taylor stop the One Nation surge?
Political editor Phillip Coorey and former Labor adviser and columnist Lidija Ivanovski on Angus Taylor’s big move, the threat from One Nation and why this might not be the last leadership contest before the next election. This podcast is sponsored by Vanta Further reading: It’s Timmy v Jimmy, with CGT the first battleground Jim Chalmers and Tim Wilson both harbour leadership ambitions. Treasury will be their sparring ring, and both will be determined not to come off second best. Taylor’s big advantage could be 35pc of voters don’t know who he is The new opposition leader is standing at the bottom of a mountain and there is doubt among many in his own party that he can climb it. Jane Hume has become the Liberals’ woman problem by tearing down Ley The new deputy leader might be able to charm some with her confidence and presentation, but her record does not look like that of a champion for working women. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 11 · 24 min
The global scam network that targeted 40,000 Australian investors
This week on The Fin podcast: journalist Lucy King on the global scam operators targeting Australian investors, how the brother of Olympic breakdancer Raygun came to be working for them and why they are so hard to shut down. This podcast is sponsored by Vanta Further reading: Raygun’s brother linked to global scam network with nearly 40,000 Aussie victims An AFR investigation unravels corporate registries to link Brendan Gunn, brother of “Raygun”, with a global network that has fleeced victims of millions. ‘Devastated’: How I lost $500k in a crypto ATM scam Mary, 85, is one of thousands of victims of Australia’s boom in crypto ATM’s, which suck in $275 million a year, and are the “getaway cars” for scammers. Modern money laundering explained: Inside a $2.2b crypto heist The washing of money through digital tokens is fuelling global crime. We trace the funds from the robbery to its final “integration” and explain why Australia needs stronger international rules. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
February 4 · 28 min
The billionaire trucker, his Linfox empire and the latest Australian succession saga
This week, James Eyers on why key executive and eldest son Peter Fox has taken an unexpected break from the company, what it means for the Linfox succession plan and why handing over mult-billion dollar family fortunes is so hard to do. This podcast is sponsored by Vanta Further reading: Peter Fox’s long absence puts Linfox succession plan in the spotlight For seven decades, billionaire businessman Lindsay Fox has loomed large over the empire he built from one truck. Who will succeed him is an open question. Peter Fox on extended leave at Linfox as non-family directors step up The son of the trucking magnate has been on sabbatical since December, with others outside the family appointed chairman of various logistics businesses. ‘We’re not going anywhere’: Peter Fox says Armaguard’s future assured The Linfox boss hopes an independent pricing model is swiftly approved by the competition regulator, so a new enterprise deal can be struck with the union. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
January 28 · 29 min
Rethinking Trump: Should Australia follow Canada's lead?
This week, United States correspondent Jessica Gardner on Trump’s first year back in the White House and Mark Carney's viral speech. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda Further reading: Rudd’s replacement is no political animal. That’s a good thing Many believe the role of US ambassador requires a sharp politician, but Greg Moriarty is the technocrat that Australia needs to meet the challenges of the times. Trump softens on Minneapolis, but Dalio warns of slide to civil war The US president has signalled a shift in strategy on immigration after the deadly chaos, but global investor Ray Dalio says the “United States is now a tinderbox”. Carney declares rules-based order dead as Greenland row escalates The Canadian prime minister warned the world order was breaking, and French President Emmanuel Macron vowed not to give in to “bullies”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
January 21 · 28 min
Ill-conceived: Inside Australia’s IVF money-making machine
This week, health editor Michael Smith on why baby-making is such big business and how private equity firms are reshaping the IVF sector. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda Further reading: Ill-conceived: Inside Australia’s IVF money-making machine The commercialisation of the industry as private equity owners take over from pioneering doctors has many people very worried. Monash IVF rejects $300m takeover bid from Genesis Capital as too low Shares in the fertility group have fallen more than 40 per cent since mistakes were disclosed earlier this year, prompting the PE-led consortium to swoop. Monash IVF says market share, patients down since embryo mix-ups Stiff competition and pricing pressure in Victoria has hurt the fertility group’s performance so far this fiscal year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 22, 2025 · 27 min
Jetsetting, love scandals and hypocrites: Rear Window’s 2025
Rear Window columnists Mark Di Stefano and Hannah Wootton look back on the action-packed year that was and ahead to what 2026 might bring. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda Further reading: Cannon-Brookes now travels by private jet Mike Cannon-Brookes, Atlassian co-founder and leading climate change crusader, has recently picked up a private jet. Dutton left ‘very serious’ cyclone area for Hemmes’ Sydney mansion The opposition leader said people wanted the prime minister “governing, not campaigning” as Queensland braced for Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Billionaires, boardrooms and office romances: Rear Window’s 2025 year-in-review There was no shortage of hypocrites in corporate and political life in 2025, and a veritable surfeit of illicit office romances. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 17, 2025 · 26 min
'Too dangerous to run': After Bondi, Australia grapples with division
This week on The Fin podcast political editor Phillip Coorey and NSW political correspondent Paul Karp on the carnage at Bondi, what is being done to make sure it never happens again and whether it’s enough. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda Further reading: ‘When is the shooting gonna stop?’ 9 minutes of terror on Bondi Beach At first, the crowd thought it was fireworks; but as the bloodied bodies dropped around them, they realised this was a shooting and they were the targets. Minns wants new laws to block protests after terror attacks The NSW government has recalled parliament to legislate caps on gun ownership and new protest restrictions, despite federal Nationals rejecting a gun crackdown. Just like that, the nation grew accustomed to antisemitism The government did act to ward off “the long shadows of the past” for Jews, but not enough. And for that, it is exposed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 10, 2025 · 29 min
Why Australia is in the middle of a shoplifting crime wave
This week on The Fin podcast: Greg Bearup and Carrie LaFrenz on what’s behind Australia’s retail crime wave, why Victoria is ground zero and whether facial recognition technology is the answer. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda Further reading: We met a professional shoplifter to understand this crime’s popularity Retailers are contending with a new type of player in their industry. Here’s how such offenders became a nationwide phenomenon and scourge of the country. Facial recognition tech vital to protect staff and shoppers: retailers Business leaders are ramping up efforts to combat surging crime rates, but their use of new tech is running up against privacy concerns. Victoria accounts for half the rise in crime at Woolworths stores The supermarket giant is the latest retailer to use profit season to highlight an increase in crime and aggression against staff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 3, 2025 · 34 min
The AI bubble comes to Australia: what happens if it goes pop?
Chanticleer columnist James Thomson and technology editor Paul Smith on the multi-trillion dollar AI investment boom, where the opportunities are for Australia and what happens if it goes wrong. This podcast is sponsored by Acenda Further reading: OpenAI in Australian blitz as it woos start-ups, corporates The Silicon Valley giant behind ChatGPT will offer free services to major venture capital-backed tech companies as it attempts to steal a march on rivals. Burry, Buffett and boomers: How markets drive our ugly generation gap While investors love the contrarian wisdom of Michael Burry and Warren Buffett, capital-soaked markets mean the world they won in is gone, creating deep societal problems. Reasons the AI bubble doesn’t look like the dotcom crash (yet)It’s the biggest spending spree in history. Is the AI boom a bubble, and what does it mean for investors and the Australian economy if it bursts? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 26, 2025 · 27 min
The market darling, the $50 million share dump and the silent CEO
Senior reporter Jonathan Shapiro on the rise of DroneShield, why its CEO just dumped all his stock and whether the company can restore the faith. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: Oleg Vornik defends $50m DroneShield share sale, citing risk to life While the businessman has been circumspect about the reasons for offloading his entire stake, privately he has given an explanation to some investors. Inside the two-week unravelling of high-flying tech stock DroneShield A $70 million share sale by the chief executive, chairman and a third director has opened up a Pandora’s box of questions about its products, and accounts. DroneShield dream run comes to abrupt end after CEO dumps $50m stake Shares in the defence technology business crashed almost 30 per cent after Oleg Vornik and two directors sold considerable holdings with little explanation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 19, 2025 · 33 min
The shocking number at the heart of the Liberal Party’s problems
Phillip Coorey and Tony Barry on the decision to dump net zero, the Coalition’s existential crisis and whether Sussan Ley’s leadership can survive. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: Andrew and Angus who? Leadership rivals a blank canvas, says poll More than a third of voters have never heard of Andrew Hastie or Angus Taylor, the men who could challenge Sussan Ley for the Liberal leadership. One Nation seen as party best suited to handle immigration: poll While cost of living remains the most important issue for voters, they believe One Nation is the party best suited to deal with immigration policy. ‘Lowest since Federation’: Dire poll for Liberals and Ley as One Nation surges Voters are more disillusioned than ever with the Coalition after a week of infighting over climate policy, and as support for One Nation hits a new high. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 12, 2025 · 25 min
What’s behind the relentless rise in house prices
John Kehoe and Michael Bleby on the RBA’s inflation dilemma, why the next interest rate move might be up and how that will affect the property market. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: Investors are flocking back to the property market Three interest rate cuts, double-digit price rises and tepid new housing supply have convinced investors that property is once again a sure bet. If you’re waiting for another rate cut, read this first The lower speed limit means the economy cannot afford as much income growth for people, and that living standards will increase by less than in the past. Housing market tipped to cool as rate cut hopes diminish Home prices grew 1.1 per cent in October, the fastest monthly pace in two years but some of the heat may come out soon as borrowing costs stay on hold. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 5, 2025 · 24 min
The biggest Australian company you've never heard of (and why it's in trouble)
Health editor Michael Smith discusses CSL’s remarkable story, why investors have lost faith in the healthcare giant and what Trump has to do with it. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband Further reading: How CSL went from 'bloated bureaucracy' to $145b global behemoth When Brian McNamee took on the top job at Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, the government-run entity was barely worth the land it was built on. McNamee vows to stay CSL chairman despite growing investor disquiet The pharmaceutical giant has avoided a board spill, but a market bloodbath arising from declining US vaccine rates has investors seething. ‘We have to fix this’: Brian McNamee on turning around CSL CSL was once a market darling, now it’s out of favour and pressure is on board and management to convince sceptical investors of a plan to restructure the business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 29, 2025 · 30 min
‘He ruined me’: How one crypto investor lost $500k in a scam
This week on The Fin, Lucy King and James Eyers on Australia’s crypto ATM boom, how they are being used for investment scams and why Australia is being targeted. This podcast is sponsored by Salesforce Further reading: ‘Devastated’: How I lost $500k in a crypto ATM scam Mary, 85, is one of thousands of victims of Australia’s boom in crypto ATM’s, which suck in $275 million a year, and are the “getaway cars” for scammers. Consumers, banks urge outright ban on crypto ATMs Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke will give AUSTRAC powers to restrict the machines, but consumer groups say this won’t stop the danger to older Australians. Labor to crack down on crypto ATMs amid scam surge New powers will be handed to regulators to restrict the use of crypto ATMs, which have become a hub for scams and illegal money laundering. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.