To Make a Killing: The Untold Story of Arthur Cutten | Interview with Robert Stephens

In this interview with Robert Stephens, author of To Make A Killing: Arthur Cutten, The Man Who Ruled the Markets, we explore the fascinating and controversial life of one of the most legendary figures in early 20th-century business history.

Arthur Cutten, a Canadian entrepreneur born in Guelph, Ontario, is often remembered for his ruthless rise to wealth through grain futures and stock market speculation. From his humble beginnings in rural Ontario to becoming a dominant figure in the U.S. markets during the Roaring Twenties, Cutten’s story offers a captivating look at the intersection of power, wealth, and scandal.

In this discussion, Robert shares insights into the historical and financial context of Cutten’s life, the impact of the 1929 stock market crash on his fortunes, and his legacy as a “villain” during the Great Depression. We also touch on the surprising local history of Guelph that plays a role in Cutten's journey.

Robert also talks about his research process, the challenges of uncovering a largely forgotten figure in Canadian and American business history, and how Cutten’s legacy continues to resonate in today’s financial landscape.

Whether you’re interested in Canadian business history, the stock market of the 1920s, or the evolution of financial regulation, this conversation offers a deep dive into the life of Arthur Cutten and the forces that shaped his extraordinary rise and fall.

Links to purchase the book:
Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/to-make-a...

Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Make-Killing-Ar...


Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction to the conversation with Robert Stevens
00:07:00 The Legacy of Arthur Cutton: Interviews with His Contemporaries
00:13:39 A Young Man's Journey to Chicago
00:20:09 The Rise of an Empire: Motivation and Legacy
00:26:45 Early Career on the Chicago Board of Trade
00:33:41 The Largest Private Manhunt in History
00:40:24 The Importance of Market Liquidity
00:47:17 The Rise of Consumerism and Stock Manipulation
00:54:09 Long-term Impacts on Financial Markets

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