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Talking Capital Markets with Mike and Brian
Welcome to "Talking Capital Markets with Mike and Brian," your go-to source for insights at the intersection of law, finance, and business. This isn't just another business podcast. It’s an engaging conversation between two seasoned professionals—Mike, a leading IPO, SPAC, and M&A corporate governance attorney, and Brian, an an IPO and M&A dealmaker—as they unpack the strategies, trends, and challenges shaping today's financial markets.
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In the Spotlight
Bulls, Bears, and What’s Next
Markets are never static...
they’re a constant push and pull between optimism and caution. In this episode, we break down the latest shifts driving investor sentiment, from bullish rallies to bearish pullbacks. What’s fueling the momentum? What’s dragging it down? And most importantly, what’s next on the horizon for traders, investors, and the global economy? Tune in for sharp analysis, real perspectives, and insights you can actually use.
MEET THE HOSTS
Michael J. Blankenship
The Legal Architect
Mike is the managing partner of Winston & Strawn LLP’s Houston office, co-chair of the firm’s Capital Markets Practice, and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee.
Mike brings a deep understanding of corporate finance, securities law, and public company governance. He has been at the forefront of advising on crypto treasury strategies, digital asset transactions, and a wide range of complex IPO, SPAC, M&A, and capital markets deals. With his unique perspective, he offers a clear view of the legal and regulatory landscape, from cutting-edge technologies like generative AI in legal workflows to the intricacies of public readiness and compliance. Mike helps teams unlock value, navigate complex legal hurdles, and position themselves for sustainable growth.
Brian Jue
The Dealmaker
Brian is a Principal at C2C Business Strategies, a seasoned IPO and M&A dealmaker with over 35 years of
executive leadership.
As the co-architect of the innovative SBDG IPO Factory, Brian has a proven track record of sourcing, structuring, and closing complex transactions across various industries. An "expert generalist" with a vast global network, he brings a unique 360-degree perspective to the business capital lifecycle. Whether it's IPOs, spin-offs, or private equity deals, Brian's experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and advisor provides invaluable insight into what it takes to get deals done and create long-term value.
What We Talk About
Together, Mike and Brian offer a 360-degree view of the capital markets. Their discussions cover:
- The M&A and IPO Landscape: Breaking down current trends, strategies, and what's next for public and private companies.
- The "Silver Tsunami" and "Plain Vanilla" Businesses: Exploring the massive wave of Baby Boomer-owned businesses coming to market and the opportunities that lie in acquiring straightforward, profitable companies.
- The Intersection of Tech and Finance: Insights on digital assets, blockchain, crypto-backed financing, and how technologies like generative AI are changing the game.
- Corporate Governance and Legal Strategy: Understanding the legal frameworks and regulatory compliance needed to guide boards, manage transactions, and fuel growth.
- Expert Advice and Real-World Examples: From structuring deals to navigating complex exits, they share practical advice drawn from decades of experience.
Join us as Mike and Brian translate complex market dynamics into clear, actionable insights
Capital Markets
Capital markets are financial marketplaces where long-term funds are raised by buying and selling securities such as stocks and bonds. They serve as a vital link between investors and those who need capital, like companies and governments, to fund their operations and growth.
The primary sectors of the capital markets are:
Primary Market:
This is where new securities are created and sold for the first time. The issuer, such as a company conducting an Initial Public Offering (IPO) or a government issuing new bonds, receives the proceeds directly from investors. This market is a key source of direct capital for businesses.
Secondary Market:
This is where investors trade existing securities with each other. It includes major stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ. The secondary market provides liquidity for securities, making it easy for investors to sell their assets. While issuers do not receive funds from these trades, the existence of a robust secondary market is crucial for the success of the primary market
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