Financial Scandal

The Death of Insider Trading

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 11.04.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Andy Kessler suggests that it's impossible for investors to get a short-term trading edge. It's better to make long-term investments based on big-picture trends.

The $21.2 Billion Halloween Mask

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 10.29.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

The season makes me wonder: What does it take to become a Halloween mask?

CEO Overboard

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 10.28.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Presumably, there was a glory to betting big and being right. The highs from winning more than trumped considerations of fair play. Of course, there was one problem. They got caught.

Oh Goldman: A Song for Your Bonus Babies

Danny Schechter | Posted 10.17.2009 | Business


Danny Schechter

In the middle of the bath / In the middle of the bath I call your name / Oh Goldman, oh Goldmamn, my love will turn on you / My love will turn on you

Madoff: 150 Years Are Just the Start

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 07.30.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

If the system is broken, can Madoff victims expect just solutions? And since when do umpires share in the spoils of victory?

The Madoff Twelve

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 07.24.2009 | Home


Norb Vonnegut

Ira Sorkin, defense attorney for Bernard Madoff, requested his client's sentence be limited to twelve years. He cited Madoff's age and thirteen-year l...

What Would Grove Do?

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 07.12.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Grove manages about $2 billion in total assets for wealthy families. He's seen it all inside his investment bank. He'll be joining Acrimoney for a new guest series: What Would Grove Do?

Madoff Leftovers

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 07.11.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Madoff victims don't need a cook. They need Solomon to sort through these complicated issues of law and fairness.

WMD: Weapons of Money Destruction

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 06.28.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Get-rich-quick schemes are the new WMD.

Top Ten Ways to Spot Financial Fraud

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 06.06.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Madoff's sense of order was legendary. He probably arrived at the office early just to run the vacuum cleaner. Other cons are similarly fastidious.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids' Allowance

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 06.05.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Madoff's preferential treatment of some investors, however, is a big deal. It's a likely blueprint, I think, of the trustee's legal tactics.

Financial Fraud: Neighborhood Watch

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 05.28.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Most of the Ponzi schemes originate in the United States. It's embarrassing.

Ponzi 401(k)

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 05.26.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Nothing like retirement in the big house.

The $20 Million Ponzi Stimulus Package

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 05.22.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

Twenty million dollars is enough to cover the cost of 10 lawyers for more than 18 months.

Raiders of the Rubber Chicken Circuit

Norb Vonnegut | Posted 05.20.2009 | Business


Norb Vonnegut

We find similarities every time a new Ponzi scheme is uncovered. I would suggest another example of recurring behavior: Philanthropy.

A Miami State of Mind: My Brain on Spring Break

Betsy Perry | Posted 04.19.2009 | Style


Betsy Perry

Bernie Madoff should feel guilt. AIG should feel guilt and so should Chris Cox and Dick Fuld and all those other bandits. But should I feel guilty for being on vacation?

What Madoff Teaches Us about the Road to Corruption

Charles H. Green | Posted 02.09.2009 | Business


Charles H. Green

Q. What do Mark Twain, Clint Eastwood and Bernie Madoff have in common? A. They all tell tales of the path from mistrust to corruption.