MTN Leak

In a world where populist movements are pulling us apart, enforcing cultural divisions and adopting increasingly isolationist standpoints, it is worth remembering that which brings our nations together. Or at least, six of them.

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Bankers were able to bring in the Year of the Rooster in fine style on Wednesday, thanks to HSBC’s fantastic Chinese New Year party.

The MTN market can breathe a sigh of relief as those punishing themselves for Christmas indulgence with Dry January are about to be reprieved.

Chinese New Year is fast approaching, bringing with it the year of the rooster and, more importantly, HSBC’s annual bash.

The first social events of the year are landing in Leak’s inbox and beginning to fill up the yawning months of 2017 and keep us all sane. All work and no play makes Leak a dull read.

Not all of the MTN market has returned from the festive break refreshed, reinvigorated and altogether ready for 2017.

There was a thoroughly Scottish affair going down in the MTN and CP world this week, as Royal Bank of Scotland invited a pair of Scottish Leak journalists to Scottish restaurant Boisdale on the Day of St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland.

The nights have drawn in, now beginning shortly after lunch and ending mid-morning. But showing the indefatigable spirit for which they are known, the MTNers of London refuse to be downcast.

Donald Trump has defied the will of the markets and is set to ascend the steps of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and become the US’s 45th commander in chief on January 20.

It's approaching crunch time. The US Presidential elections are almost upon us and an awed hush has descended upon capital markets as perhaps the most important, most polarising and most vicious election campaign in history comes to a head.

The spookiest time of the year has descended upon the MTN market.

Leak was fortunate enough to join the illustrious Citi MTN team for a smashing lunch at Boisdale this week.