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

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Mar 12, 2025 · 31 min
Khaki election: Trump’s ‘Mean Girls’ diplomacy prompts defence rethink
This week on The Fin podcast, foreign affairs and defence correspondent Andrew Tillett and international affairs expert James Curran on how Donald Trump has disrupted the world order and why we are headed for a khaki-tinged election. Further reading: Trump’s tariffs were inevitable. But Albanese could have done more Levies on Australian steel and aluminium to the US starting on Wednesday will have domestic political fallout. Albanese rebuffs Trump over call to lift to defence spending While Labor comes under fire over military readiness, figures show defence spending as a share of the federal budget is at highest in almost a decade. Richard Marles’ mindless talking points ignore Trumpian change Elsewhere, Donald Trump’s return is being noticed, and acted upon with decisive swiftness. But it is not happening in Australia yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 5, 2025 · 29 min
The billionaire, his ex-lovers and a board exodus
This week on The Fin podcast, senior reporter Max Mason and Chanticleer columnist James Thomson discuss WiseTech’s tumultuous five months, Richard White’s second coming and whether he should stay in charge. Further reading: ‘I am WiseTech’: How Richard White regained control of his company On one side was a group of independent directors with their reputations on the line. On the other, a powerful founder with everything to lose. The billionaire, his lawyer wife – and the secrets of their explosive relationship Richard White says he would “take a bullet” for his wife but many of the billionaire’s long-time friends are unhappy about the marriage and the couple’s volatile history. King Richard’s return gives WiseTech investors a stark choice Incredibly, Richard White has more power at WiseTech than at any time since it listed in 2016. But that comes with some big consequences for investors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 26, 2025 · 27 min
Succession battle: How Trump could cost Lachlan Murdoch billions
This week on The Fin podcast, senior writer Myriam Robin and author Neil Chenoweth on the bitter fight for control of the Murdoch empire and why the election of Donald Trump couldn’t have come at a worse time for Rupert’s succession plans. Further reading: The Murdochs go to war – through the media Rupert and Lachlan have failed, for now, to take control of the family trust. But that outcome is by no means the end to hostilities between the media scions. ‘Self-interested people’: Why Murdoch and Trump are back in business Rupert Murdoch is known for aligning his business interests with the politician of the hour. His appearance with Donald Trump this week was no different. Logan Roy’s death morphed into a real life Murdoch succession drama Shortly after the fictional patriarch died on television, the family behind the News and Fox empires began to plot life after their patriarch, Rupert. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 19, 2025 · 21 min
Did the Reserve Bank cut interest rates too soon?
This week on The Fin podcast, editor-at-large Michael Stutchbury and economics correspondent Michael Read on why the Reserve Bank cut rates this week, whether Bullock is ‘one and done’ and how this affects the timing of the election. This podcast is sponsored by IG. Further reading: RBA rate cut more about politics than economics After roughing up the central bank, Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers should take whatever sliver of bacon the RBA will give financially squeezed voters. Bullock shifts rate cut expectations after line-ball decision Prime Minister Anthony Albanese now has just days to decide whether to call a snap election to capitalise on the RBA rate cut or delay to woo voters further. RBA opens a window for the PM, but will he take the chance? Anthony Albanese may seek to capitalise on Tuesday’s rate cut with a March 29 election, but he could also decide that it is not enough to sway voters. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 12, 2025 · 29 min
Inside the fight to keep girls out of boys' schools
This week on The Fin podcast, AFR Magazine contributor Brook Turner on why Sydney has become the epicentre of this battle and whether there is still a place in Australia for single-sex schools. This podcast is sponsored by IG. Further reading: ‘We became a pinata’: The culture war tearing a school apart How its decision to go co-ed made Newington College in Sydney the country’s most talked-about school. ‘We did not expect the intensity’: Newington hits back at co-ed row Coeducation is seen as the future of school. So why is Newington College in Sydney at the centre of a debate so hot that parents are withdrawing boys? Why coeducation is so fraught in Australia Are single-sex schools – no, make that boys-only schools – deserving of the bad rap they get? Are they hotbeds of toxic masculinity? Are girls better off without boys disrupting their classes and smashing their self-confidence? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 5, 2025 · 27 min
DeepSeek drama: what the Chinese startup means for the AI race & markets
This week on The Fin podcast, senior reporter Jonathan Shapiro and technology editor Paul Smith on DeepSeek’s breakthrough, why Australia has banned its use on government devices and what this all means for 'the magnificent seven' US tech stocks that have been pushing markets to record highs. This podcast is sponsored by IG. Further reading: DeepSeek drama: are markets all-in on the most dangerous idea in history? While investors fret about what the arrival of DeepSeek means for their all-in bet on American artificial intelligence dominance, they’re ignoring even bigger questions. Is big tech’s AI future really what we’re looking for? The race is on to build the fastest, most efficient AI models and hopefully tech companies will start developing the products we want to use. Labor bans DeepSeek from government devices Australia has banned Chinese artificial intelligence service DeepSeek from government devices over national security concerns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 29, 2025 · 27 min
Dispatch from Davos: Trump hasn’t killed DEI (yet)
This week on The Fin podcast, Europe correspondent Hans van Leeuwen on how companies and governments are responding to Trump, 2.0, whether diversity programs are under threat and why Australians have stopped going to Davos. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. Further reading: Trump slams Europe, threatens ‘trillions’ in tariffs The president lambasted Canada’s trade surplus with the US and also fired a verbal volley at the European Union’s restrictions on his country. CEOs at Davos feel ready, even heady, for Trump 2.0 At the World Economic Forum, much of the global corporate elite is responding with surprising optimism to the new president’s radical and hyperactive agenda. Has Trump killed DEI? Davos might have the answer The World Economic Forum summit, where the liberal cosmopolitan elite gathers to network and self-congratulate, will be an early litmus test for Trump 2.0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 22, 2025 · 22 min
Summer special: Back from holidays? Time to plan the next one
This week on The Fin, Travel editor Fiona Carruthers discusses the outlook for tourism, why flights are getting cheaper, which airlines are likely to give you the best deal and why Greenland is suddenly on everyone’s list. Further reading: Europe calling? A guide to predicting the cheapest fares If you’re wondering whether to book your 2025 flights now or to wait, recent average prices are a handy benchmark. The hottest travel spots as the economy turns cold Japan is cool, Bali is always warm, but Vietnam is so hot right now. The cost-of-living pinch is driving Australians to make sure their overseas holiday hits the mark. Why Australians should ditch Europe this Christmas After a dire year for the currency, those heading to the northern hemisphere should consider looking elsewhere to get the most bang for their buck. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 15, 2025 · 29 min
Summer special: AFR critics on what to watch, read and listen to this summer
In the first of a two-part series, The Fin podcast talks to the critics around the Financial Review newsroom to get their recommendations for film, television, books and music. Further reading: The 10 best albums of 2024 (if Taylor Swift isn’t your jam) Soulful singer songwriters, rising indie superstars, Australian up-and-comers and a floor-filling techno god. Welcome to the year’s best sounds. 12 books fiction lovers will give (or hope to receive) We asked prominent Australian writers, readers, tome-buyers and page turners to tell us what they are most hoping to get – and send to others. This might be the most explosive tennis movie ever made Challengers packs a punch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 18, 2024 · 31 min
Rear Window’s year in review: the scoops, the scandals, the power plays
Outgoing Rear Window editor Myriam Robin tells us about the megalomaniac trying to solve Australia’s housing crisis, the column’s biggest scoop and the rebellion underway at the country’s most exclusive clubs. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. Further reading: Peter V’landys bogged down in a multibillion-dollar property play The influential CEO of Racing NSW is staring down allegations aired confidentially by purported whistleblowers to a parliamentary inquiry. Gina Rinehart lobbies NGA to remove portrait Being Australia’s richest resident comes with some perks. Who knew said benefits included a network of flunkies who will bombard a national institution over a painting you don’t like? Who’s in (and out) at the Australian Club Who coughs up the hefty annual membership fee at Sydney’s Australian Club on Macquarie Street? Why, we’re so glad you asked. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 11, 2024 · 28 min
Bitcoin has broken through US$100,000. Now what?
This week on The Fin podcast, James Eyers on why Donald Trump is a crypto bro, whether Bitcoin’s price will stay at these record levels and how regulators are playing catch up. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. Further reading: ASIC moves to expand its oversight of crypto and digital assets The corporate regulator’s new guidance outlines more than a dozen examples of how it intends to assess what is in – and out – of financial services laws. A bitcoin convention in Sydney rings crypto alarm bells Bitcoin is up almost 130 per cent this year and the US election result put a rocket under crypto. But there are still plenty of ways to lose money in an (unregulated) bull market. Bitcoin smashes through $US100,000 as traders eye ‘huge re-rating’ Investors believe the change in attitude towards cryptocurrencies still hasn’t been priced in, making Thursday’s milestone just the beginning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 4, 2024 · 26 min
Big super reckoning: Are Australians losing faith in the system?
This week on The Fin podcast, Chanticleer columnist James Thomson and reporter Hannah Wootton on why ASIC is suing Cbus, what it means for industry funds and whether the ‘super wars’ are back. This podcast is sponsored by Aussie Broadband. Further reading: How Cbus’ big party year went horribly wrong It’s not the biggest or the worst performing of the super funds. So why has Cbus become the poster child for the $4 trillion sector’s problems? Big Super’s reckoning has arrived After 32 years of guaranteed inflows from workers and scant scrutiny, the $3.9 trillion industry faces customer fury over service, unclear investment practices and questionable governance. Super sector’s problems are much bigger than Cbus The damning review of governance at CBUS shows while industry funds have led the way in gathering and growing assets, they now need to play governance catch-up. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 27, 2024 · 31 min
Social media ban: screen time fix, magic wand or a waste of time?
This week on The Fin podcast, Technology editor Paul Smith and media and marketing reporter Sam Buckingham-Jones on why the ban is being introduced, what it means for children and parents and whether it could cause a rift with the new US President. This podcast is sponsored by UNSW Further reading: Why this former TikTok executive wants a strict social media ban TikTok hired Felicity McVay to convince Disney, Universal and the AFL to use the platform more. Now she’s campaigning to get children off it. Canberra takes on big tech – and Gen Alpha – with social media bans All Australians could be forced to register official identity documents with social media giants to prove they are over the age of 16. Trump may use tariffs to hit back at PM’s tech crackdown American and Australian officials are warning the Albanese government that its crackdown on social media platforms could anger the incoming US president into putting tariffs on $33 billion of exports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 20, 2024 · 27 min
'Chussia Anxiety': Why Donald Trump wants to “un-unite” China and Russia
This week on The Fin podcast, Australian Financial Review contributor and former diplomat Geoff Raby on Trump’s world and what it means for Australia and why China and Russia are less close than you might think. This podcast is sponsored by UNSW Further reading: Xi is thumping Putin in the Great Game Former Australian ambassador to China Geoff Raby takes a deep dive into the “Chussia” partnership. His conclusions about a rising Sinostan would not please the Kremlin. Civil servants to flee as Trump ‘drains the swamp’ (again) Everyone knew Trump’s cabinet picks would be provocative and a purge of government workers was coming. But they have arrived with stunning speed. G20 goes soft on Russia as Putin threatens to use nuclear weapons The G20 has ended with a whimper with watered-down statements on Russia, climate change and the Middle East. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 13, 2024 · 32 min
MinRes investigation: a secret tax deal, company cash and a boat named Anya
This week on The Fin podcast, investigative reporter Neil Chenoweth and Rear Window columnist Mark Di Stefano on how Chris Ellison’s secret deal with the tax office came to light, why some investors want the founder to stay on and whether Mineral Resources can draw a line in the sand. This podcast is sponsored by UNSW Further reading: Inside the two-week unravelling of Chris Ellison’s hold on MinRes Monday’s attempt to draw a line in the sand still leaves unanswered questions for shareholders and investigators about the goings-on at Mineral Resources. Meet Chris Ellison’s personal accountant Yenna Ong, the number cruncher who managed the Mineral Resources founder’s private affairs, rapidly gained great power. Then just as suddenly, she was gone. MinRes paid a 70pc mark up to rent Chris Ellison-owned properties Independent valuations that the owners of the four industrial facilities commissioned themselves indicated that the leases were well in excess of market rates. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 6, 2024 · 29 min
Luxury property & unpaid bills: the two worlds of Sanjeev Gupta
This week on The Fin podcast, senior reporter Simon Evans and Rear Window editor Myriam Robin on Sanjeev Gupta’s flashy property purchase, his financial troubles and the South Australian town caught in the middle. This podcast is sponsored by UNSW Further reading: Whyalla steelworks running out of options as taxpayer rescue resisted The SA premier says it’s time Sanjeev Gupta took some action, with governments wary of taxpayer funds being siphoned off to overseas parts of GFG Alliance. The town bearing the brunt of Sanjeev Gupta’s financial nightmare The British industrialist’s steelworks looms over Whyalla, population 21,900. There’s plenty at stake if things go south. Sanjeev Gupta buys on Sydney waterfront The steel magnate is cutting jobs and salaries at the Whyalla steelworks one week, and splashing out for prime Sydney waterfront property the next. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 30, 2024 · 28 min
Joe Aston on Qantas: ‘This is a story about power in the shadows’
This week on The Fin podcast, Joe Aston, former Rear Window editor and author of The Chairmain's Lounge, discusses what went wrong for the Qantas, its oversized influence in Canberra, and the extraordinary perks of a Qantas board seat. Editors note: On Thursday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese denied ever contacting Alan Joyce to seek a flight upgrade. This podcast is sponsored by UNSW Further reading: The incredible financial value of a Qantas board seat The lavish and fudged flight perks of the airline’s executives are revealed in this extract from Joe Aston’s “The Chairman’s Lounge”. The zombie chairman: How Goyder let Joyce trash Qantas’ reputation An exclusive extract from Joe Aston’s book The Chairman’s Lounge tells the inside story of how Richard Goyder and his board allowed Alan Joyce to fly Qantas into a reputational disaster. Albanese faces calls for probe into flight upgrades David Pocock and Peter Dutton have both called for a probe into whether Anthony Albanese breached the ministerial code of conduct while he was transport minister. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 23, 2024 · 28 min
Trump v Harris: Is it too little, too late for the Democrats?
This week on The Fin podcast, International editor James Curran and US correspondent Matthew Cranston on how Trump has managed to claw back Harris’ lead in the final weeks of the campaign and what Canberra is worried about. This podcast is sponsored by IG Further reading: Trade wars, market jolts: What a Trump win means for Australia The tax and economic policies of Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will have profound effects for Australian investors, exporters and US subsidiaries. Trump works a McDonald’s fry station as election goes off colour The former president served up fries in an apron as he poked fun at rival Kamala Harris’ story of working there in the 1980s. America’s new Asian alliance network will survive beyond Trump No matter who is in the White House after November 5, the US’ carefully structured latticework of alliances that underpins its regional primacy will continue. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 16, 2024 · 24 min
Richard White: The billionaire, the beauty entrepreneur and the $90k debt
This week on The Fin podcast, senior reporters Jonathan Shapiro and Jemima Whyte discuss the rise of an unusual tech billionaire, what happens when personal matters become public, and what it means for his listed company, Wisetech. This podcast is sponsored by IG Further listening: How I Made It Podcast: Why Richard White avoids risk at all costs Further reading: Richard White’s alleged lover claims he expected sex for investment In documents filed with the Federal Court, the wellness entrepreneur said a business trip to New York changed when the billionaire booked only one hotel room. WiseTech board decides White’s alleged affair strictly ‘personal’ The legal stoush between software billionaire Richard White and Sydney wellness entrepreneur Linda Rogan is a “personal” matter according to WiseTech’s board. Billionaire Richard White attempts to bankrupt alleged former lover Lawyers acting for Double Bay wellness entrepreneur Linda Rogan say WiseTech Global founder’s legal claim against her is an “abuse of process” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 9, 2024 · 26 min
Will cutting negative gearing fix the property crisis?
This week on The Fin podcast, economics correspondent Michael Read and political correspondent Tom McIlroy discuss whether winding-back the two big tax advantages to buying property – negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount – will help solve Australia’s housing crisis. This podcast is sponsored by IG Further reading: These Australians are most likely to negatively gear their properties The housing policy choices facing voters We’re more nuanced on negative gearing than five years ago A quick guide to the politics of housing tax breaks See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.