The Speculator of Financial Markets

In this talk Daniele D’Alvia will present the core thesis of his new book entitled, ‘The Speculator of Financial Markets’. In the book he argues that speculators are the most prominent operators in financial markets. The author defines speculators as individuals, whose main activity it is to guess the opinions of other individuals, and traces their role from their historical roots to the modern day, with a particular emphasis on the Great Depression of 1929, the Global Financial Crisis of 2007 and the March Madness of 2023. The author demonstrates that speculators have played an important role in supporting financial innovation. They have also contributed to increasing complexity. The account of financial markets as places for speculation has important implications for regulation. We should not be complacent that all market dangers can be regulated away or simply blame supervisors’ inactivity or late response to necessarily unknowable risks.

Speaker: Daniele D’Alvia 

Chair: Professor Eva Micheler

This event operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The venue accommodates a maximum of 40 attendees; therefore, early arrival is advised to ensure your participation.