Ex-Bear Stearns banker at World Series of Poker

Steven Begleiter, formerly an investment banker at Bear Stearns, has made it to the finals of the World Series of Poker's Main Event beginning Nov. 7 in Las Vegas. Time magazine notes that he's not the only financial services guy to fare well at the tables. Bob Slezak, former CFO at TD Ameritrade, hedge fund guy David Einhorn, and arb expert Bill Chen, of Susquehanna International Group, have paved the way.

This isn't necessarily good for Wall Street. While gambling is indeed a favorite pastime on Wall Street, it's not necessarily great PR right now. The industry certainly doesn't want to promote the idea that gambling is at the heart of what Wall Street does, though many would agree with the idea. Time trots out a psychiatrist and securities-trading coach who notes the similarities. As for Begleiter, he downplays the idea that Wall Street has prepared him for tables. He says it's more about reading people, which is a good skill no matter profession you're in. 

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