In this episode of The Business Book Club, we explore The Trading Game by Gary Stevenson, a gripping memoir that exposes the high-pressure world of investment banking, inequality, and the human cost of extreme wealth. Stevenson shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in East London to becoming Citi Bank’s most profitable trader — all while witnessing the widening gap between rich and poor from the inside.

Far from a glamorous tale of financial success, The Trading Game is a raw and compelling look at how the pursuit of profit affects individuals, economies, and society. Stevenson reveals the psychological strain of life on a trading floor, the incentives that drive global inequality, and the courage it took to walk away from millions to pursue economic justice.

In this episode, we unpack the big lessons from the book: how financial incentives impact behaviour, why inequality continues to rise, and what Stevenson believes needs to change. It’s a powerful exploration of money, morality, and the cost of chasing success in a system built to reward the few.