The Rivers of Money

“In this engaging and insightful book, Adi Imsirovic and Colin Bryce chronicle the evolution of oil trading over the past 50 years, highlighting the colourful and daring characters who shaped its history. These traders not only helped revolutionize the industry, but also managed to navigate the turbulent aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war without triggering a major spike in oil prices.”

—Adrian Binks, Chairman and CEO, Argus Media 

“Every technological revolution challenges the role of the individual - and nowhere is this more evident than in the world of oil trading. In this captivating account, Adi and Colin trace the rise of the modern oil market through the stories of individual traders who built it. As artificial intelligence reshapes our industry and the world, understanding the human forces behind trading has never been more critical. This book offers a compelling guide to the social dynamics that continue to drive the market.”

—Dave Ernsberger, Co-President, S&P Global Commodity Insights 

“Oil makes the world go round and this book provides the reader with the past, present and future - a must read.”

—Neal Shear, Member of the Board of Directors, Cheniere Energy Inc. 

“A great read—a fascinating, very entertaining and very timely history on the development of oil trading and the energy derivatives marketplace.  A must read for anyone interested in the evolution of oil trading from open outcry ‘pit trading’ to the world of electronic exchanges.”

—Gary R. King, President, Intercontinental Exchange, ICE Futures Abu Dhabi 

Adi Imsirovic has 35 years of experience in oil trading, having held a number of senior trading positions. He is currently a lecturer at the Master's course in Energy Systems, Department of Engineering, University of Oxford and a Senior Associate (Non-resident) in the Energy Security and Climate Change Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington.

Colin Bryce is a founding partner of the energy consultancy Energex Partners. Previously, he worked at Britoil’s Supply and Trading division, Morgan Stanley where he helped establish its oil trading business outside the United States, and the British National Oil Corporation (BNOC).