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The Coffee Run: The wild and infamous Christmas parties of investment banks, and why they stopped

We've launched a new weekly video series to accompany Morning Coffee, in which we look at one story in more depth to give you the full picture.

A Christmas party (or rather, 'Holiday party') in investment banking simply isn't what it used to be, and there are plenty of reasons why. They were elaborate and expensive affairs that sometimes resulted in chaos, embarrassment, and even tragedy. 

In a Christmas edition of The Coffee Run (the last of the year 😢), we're looking back at some of the most well known tales of investment banking Christmas parties, and explored why they've since died out. Click the video below to find out.

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AUTHORAlex McMurray Reporter
  • Al
    Allias
    23 December 2025
    They stopped in a large part due to people not wanting to go because of the fear of false accusations. Accusers have very little to lose by making a false accusation and much to gain. For the accused it can mean humiliation, loss of job, career, financial stability and family. Even if the accusation is false or exaggerated. Why take the risk.

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The essential daily roundup of news and analysis read by everyone from senior bankers and traders to new recruits.

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The essential daily roundup of news and analysis read by everyone from senior bankers and traders to new recruits.