"After Puckoon I swore I would never write another novel. This is it." — Spike Milligan
Entering the workforce just after the failure of Lehman Brothers, I had a keen interest in the history of financial collapses. Shortly after entering said workforce, I gained an interest in merch.
After a few conferences as a cub reporter, I was the proud owner of a Crédit Agricole suit bag and hi-vis jacket, a Garanti Bank stuffed turtle, a Tradeweb bluetooth speaker, a fistful of Deutsche Bank pens, more umbrellas than I can enumerate (they’re easy to lose), tote bags, water bottles, sticky notes, golf tees (I have never golfed), knock-off Moleskines with a galaxy of different logos, fans, sunscreen, and so much more.
I was told to knock it off by my partner (now wife).
After I had children I was able to acquire a whole new range of cuddly toys, pencil sets, branded balls and toy cars, with which to affirm my love for my progeny as I slunk home hungover. I have once more been told to knock it off.
But 2026 brought an intriguing opportunity. The story of the year in European securitisation has been the collapse of Market...
