Finance Friends

Fabian Ruggieri
  • 2.3 (3)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Imagine getting insider knowledge from industry leaders every week. Hear their stories, the challenges they've overcome, and the invaluable advice they have for anyone stepping into the finance world.  That’s what Finance Friends with Fabian is all about: an exclusive seat at the table, where you’ll feel like you’re chatting with friends.  In this EXCLUSIVE season, we're taking you From the Field to Finance, spotlighting elite athletes who’ve swapped jerseys for spreadsheets and built thriving careers in finance. Follow us on Instagram @FinanceFriendsPodcast for the latest updates and more exciting news!

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    33: Tom Waterhouse: Betting, Bookies, and an Outsized Edge

    In this episode of the Finance Friends Podcast, we sit down with Tom Waterhouse to unpack his journey from racetrack bookmaker to venture capital investor.  Tom grew up in Australia’s most well-known racing and betting family. He begun working the rails at horse races while studying at University, then built one of Australia’s fastest-growing online bookmakers with a unique twist. If you’re curious about investing in the growing wagering industry, how AI is effecting the industry, and why equity options can be a powerful leveraged tool for investing in early-stage companies, this conversation delivers practical insights and hard-won lessons. This is a true masterclass.  Visit https://tomwaterhouse.com/ and for more information on their VC fund visit https://www.waterhousevc.com/ today.  Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

    41 min

  2. 2 MAR

    32: Re-Run Meet Chris Judd: The Legend, The Leader, The Investor

    Season 4 of the Finance Friends podcast is officially back! 🎙️ We thought there was no better way to launch back into this season than with a re-run of one of our most beloved guests, the legend himself, Chris Judd! And just in time for the first round of the 2026 AFL season. In this episode, Chris retraces his path from buying his first shares at sixteen to crystallising a philosophy anchored to probabilities. He draws vivid lines between the locker room and the trading floor: at West Coast and Carlton, a culture obsessed with endurance became a true competitive edge; in business, a firm’s behaviour must fit its stated advantage or the story breaks. Chris dives into why doing something different carries both the biggest wins and losses, how to judge management against promises, and why being disagreeable can help investors resist consensus without becoming reckless. If you haven't listened to this episode yet, now's the time. We’re gearing up for a season filled with brilliant minds, diverse investment philosophies, and conversations guaranteed to challenge and inspire. Stay tuned... there’s plenty more to come. Visit the Cerutty Macro Fund website today: https://ceruttymacrofund.com.au/ Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

    36 min

  3. 04/12/2025

    31: Re-Run - Meet Vas Piperoglou: Markets, Discipline, and the Power of Patience

    This week we’re throwing it back to one of our favourite Season 1 episodes. We sat down with Vas, the CIO and co-founder of Collins Street Asset Management, to explore a value-investing philosophy built on focus, conviction, and the courage to look where everyone else isn’t. From cracking open his piggy bank at twelve, to running a concentrated Australian equities fund, which has returned 13.8% p.a after fees since inception. Vas walks us through what real value investing looks like: intrinsic value over momentum, fundamentals over noise, and the freedom a boutique structure gives to take true contrarian positions. What makes this conversation timeless is Vas’ process. He shares the routines that keep his decision-making sharp: batching emails, avoiding unsolicited calls, steering clear of social feeds, journaling every investment, and revisiting his own thinking to separate luck from skill. It’s a masterclass in staying disciplined when markets get loud. If you care about value investing, concentrated portfolios, and building conviction without the noise, this conversation will sharpen how you think and how you allocate.  Follow Vas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vasilios-piperoglou-3122a3225/ Visit the Collins Street Asset Management Website: https://www.csvf.com.au/ Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

    24 min

  4. 27/11/2025

    30: Meet Jonas Benner: Bitcoiner, Crypto Guru, and Quant at AMP

    An Australian, nationally recognised, retail super fund investing in Bitcoin? That’s not a headline grab; it’s a measured, research-led step that says a lot about where money is going. This week, we sit down with AMP quantitative researcher Jonas Benner to unpack why a quant team that runs dynamic overlays across equities, bonds, and commodities now includes Bitcoin, and what it took to get there. Jonas brings a rare blend of skills and perspective. He charts his path from Germany to Australia, the scramble after a COVID layoff, and the decision to rebuild his career in quantitative finance.  His resilience sets the stage for a clear, rigorous explanation of how Bitcoin actually works—open-source code, global nodes, and miners assembling transactions into blocks every 10 minutes. We dig into the halving schedule, the difficulty adjustment, and the 21 million cap, showing why supply cannot speed up when price rises, unlike gold or any other commodity.  Whether you’re sceptical or curious, this conversation gives you the mechanics, the incentives, and the institutional context to think like a professional investor.  Follow Jonas Benner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonas-benner/ Visit the AMP Website: https://www.amp.com.au/  Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

    47 min

  5. 19/11/2025

    29: Meet Andrew McKie: Monopolies, Markets and Mindset

    We are kicking off Season 4 with a powerhouse conversation as Fabian sits down with Andrew McKie, Co-Founder and Portfolio Manager at Elston Asset Management!  With two decades of experience navigating markets, constructing portfolios, and guiding clients through every economic cycle, Andrew brings unmatched clarity to a world that often feels overly complicated. In this episode, we unpack how monopolistic advantages, culture, and execution compound far beyond any short‑term chart. Andrew’s path from recession‑era credit collections to stockbroking and on to building a specialist managed accounts platform sets the stage for a masterclass in investing. If you want a clearer way to weigh value versus growth, judge management by outcomes, whether you're just starting your wealth journey or looking to sharpen your strategy, Andrew’s insights give you the tools and perspective to make smarter, more confident investment decisions Follow Andrew McKie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-mckie-cfa-99949b40/ Visit the Elston Asset Management website: https://www.elston.com.au/asset-management/elston-asset-management/ Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

    39 min

  6. 30/10/2025

    Season 3 Wrap-Up & What’s Next: Sneak Peek at Season 4!

    That’s a wrap on Season 3 of Finance Friends - From the Field to Finance!  In this episode, we reflects on the conversations, lessons, and standout moments that defined this season — from navigating career pivots to uncovering what truly drives success in the world of finance. You’ll hear insights from some of our favourite guests, behind-the-scenes reflections, and what’s coming next. Plus, a sneak peek into Season 4, where we’re diving deep into the world of investing — not just where to put your money, but how to think like an investor. Expect fresh perspectives, big names, and practical takeaways to help you build both financial literacy and confidence. Stay tuned... Whether you’ve been here since Season 1 or just joined the Finance Friends community, this is the perfect episode to catch up, reflect, and get excited for what’s next. Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and upcoming announcements! Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

    21 min

  7. 16/10/2025

    28: Meet Jack Trengove, Youngest AFL Captain, Equities Analyst at Lanyon Asset Management

    At just 20 years old, Jack Trengove made history as the youngest-ever captain in the AFL! Leading Melbourne Football Club with maturity beyond his years. After nearly a decade in professional sport, Jack made the bold move to pivot his career, trading the footy field for the finance world. Now an Equities Analyst at Lanyon Asset Management, he brings the same discipline, focus, and drive that once defined his playing career to the world of investing. In this episode of Finance Friends Jack reflects on the highs and lows of elite sport. From leadership lessons and mental resilience to navigating injury setbacks and career transitions. He shares how those experiences shaped his approach to markets, risk, and long-term thinking, offering rare insight into how the mindset of an athlete can translate seamlessly into success in finance. We also dive into what life looks like after professional sport, the importance of building identity beyond your first career, and Jack’s advice for young people figuring out their own path. Honest, grounded, and deeply reflective, this conversation is a reminder that reinvention is possible at any stage and that the qualities that make you great in one field can propel you just as far in another. Follow Jack Trengove on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-trengove-6b602763/ Visit the Lanyon Asset Management website: https://lanyon.com.au/ Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

    29 min

  8. 02/10/2025

    27: Meet Izzy Chilcott, Professional WNBL Player and Director and Fund Manager at Centuria Bass Credit

    From scoring three-pointers at the University of San Diego to leading major real estate credit strategies as Director at Centuria Bass Credit, Izzy Chilcott's journey demonstrates how elite sporting mindsets create exceptional business outcomes. Izzy's basketball career took her from the Gold Coast to college basketball in the U.S.A, then through a decade in Australia's WNBL, culminating in a championship with the Melbourne Boomers in 2022 – her final professional game. Unlike many athletes, Izzy maintained a parallel finance career throughout, providing a seamless transition when she hung up her basketball shoes. This dual-career approach, while challenging, built exceptional  resilience, discipline, and adaptability - qualities that now underpin her success in finance.  At Centuria Bass Credit, Izzy leads a team providing non-bank lending solutions for commercial real estate developers. Her funds offer something traditional banks can't – speed and flexibility worth paying premium rates for.  The parallels between basketball and finance are striking – teamwork, performing under pressure, and maintaining high standards translate directly between court and boardroom.  Follow Izzy Chilcott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izzy-chilcott-abb8a3157/?originalSubdomain=au  Visit the Centuria Bass Credit website: https://www.centuriabass.com.au/ Enjoyed the episode? Follow Finance Friends Podcast on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok for daily updates and more inspiring conversations. Got questions or ideas for future episodes? Send us a DM @financefriendspodcast!

    39 min
See All (35)

Ratings & Reviews

2.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Imagine getting insider knowledge from industry leaders every week. Hear their stories, the challenges they've overcome, and the invaluable advice they have for anyone stepping into the finance world.  That’s what Finance Friends with Fabian is all about: an exclusive seat at the table, where you’ll feel like you’re chatting with friends.  In this EXCLUSIVE season, we're taking you From the Field to Finance, spotlighting elite athletes who’ve swapped jerseys for spreadsheets and built thriving careers in finance. Follow us on Instagram @FinanceFriendsPodcast for the latest updates and more exciting news!

Information

  • Creator
    Fabian Ruggieri
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Finance Friends
  • Show Website
    Finance Friends

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