Former investment banker and author Geraint Anderson, known for his 'Cityboy' columns, has stirred debate by suggesting that a blend of genius and psychopathic traits could form the 'perfect CV' for a career in the City of London. Writing in today's Notebook, Anderson posits that certain psychological characteristics, often associated with psychopathy, are highly advantageous in high-pressure financial environments.
Anderson recounts a persistent rumour from his time in the Square Mile (1996-2008) that Goldman Sachs allegedly sought recruits who had experienced bullying, believing their insecurity and desire for revenge would drive relentless work. More recently, he claims to have heard that one investment bank is reportedly employing psychologists to identify graduates with 'psychopathic tendencies', believing these individuals make more effective bankers.
He clarifies that he is not referring to the extreme, 'Hannibal Lecter' type of psychopath, but rather the 'high-functioning' variety. These individuals are characterised by socially acceptable traits such as charm, self-confidence, fearlessness, and a ruthless killer instinct, which Anderson believes are ideally suited for intense merger and acquisition negotiations. He suggests such qualities would undoubtedly lead to an outstanding career in investment banking, with the main drawback being their tendency for self-aggrandisement.
Reflecting on his own experience, Anderson describes a self-assessment using a simplified version of the PCL-R psychopathy checklist, scoring only 8 out of 40. He playfully attributes his score to why he 'only' managed to build the second-highest-ranked equity team in London, hinting at the potential characteristics of the top-performing team. He also draws parallels between elite finance and elite football, noting that successful leaders in both fields share a similar ruthlessness when making difficult personnel decisions.
Anderson contrasts the City's past with its present. He recalls a time when summer in the City meant four-hour, wine-fuelled lunches often culminating in multi-million-pound deals. Today, he notes, ex-clients describe a much healthier, albeit less indulgent, culture of grilled chicken, sparkling water, and a focus on wellness before returning to Zoom calls, a shift he acknowledges as healthier but questions its overall impact.