Charles Mitchell

American Banker

Charles Mitchell was a prominent American banker known for his leadership at National City Bank in the early 20th century. He expanded the bank's reach and introduced innovative banking practices. However, his tenure was marred by controversy during the Great Depression due to risky investments and stock market involvement. He eventually resigned, facing investigations but was acquitted. Mitchell's legacy includes contributions to modern banking practices. He passed away in 1955.

Bernie Madoff

Former American Financier & Fraudster

Bernie Madoff, a former financier, gained notoriety for orchestrating one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history. He started his career in finance in the 1960s, building a reputation for consistent high returns. However, in 2008, his fraudulent activities were exposed, revealing a scheme that defrauded investors of approximately $65 billion. Madoff was sentenced to 150 years in prison, and his case led to increased regulatory scrutiny and reforms in the financial sector. His actions served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of fraudulent investment schemes.

Gary Gensler

Gary Gensler is the Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). As the head of the SEC, he is responsible for overseeing the regulation of the securities industry, protecting investors, and maintaining fair and efficient markets.

As of today, Gary Gensler has been testifying before Congress about his rule changes. He has also been facing increasing lawsuits over his many rule changes. One of the recent topics of discussion has been climate risk and how the SEC should address it. Additionally, he has warned that a government shutdown would halt initial public offerings (IPOs) and market surveillance.

Gary Gensler’s role with FTX is not clear. However, there have been investigations into the timing of the arrest of Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX, on the eve of his scheduled appearance before the Financial Services Committee. The arrest raised questions about the SEC’s process and cooperation with the Department of Justice. It is important to note that Gary Gensler is the Chair of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and his primary role is to oversee the regulation of the securities industry, protect investors, and maintain fair and efficient markets.

Sam Bankman

Sam Bankman-Fried, also known as SBF, is an American entrepreneur and investor. He was the founder and CEO of the cryptocurrency exchange FTX and associated trading firm Alameda Research. However, both FTX and Alameda Research experienced a high-profile collapse resulting in chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2022. Prior to FTX’s collapse, Bankman-Fried was ranked the 41st richest American in the Forbes 400 and the 60th richest person in the world by The World’s Billionaires. His net worth peaked at $26 billion. By November 11, 2022, amid the bankruptcy of FTX, his net worth was considered to have been reduced to zero.

Bankman-Fried has been involved in political campaigns, donating openly to Democratic candidates and covertly to Republicans. He also claimed that he planned to spend around $1 billion in the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

On December 12, 2022, Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas and subsequently extradited to the United States. An indictment of him before the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York was unsealed on December 13, revealing eight criminal charges for offenses including wire fraud, commodities fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, and campaign finance law violations. Additional charges were announced in February 2023.

Bankman-Fried is currently detained at the Brooklyn Metropolitan Detention Center awaiting trial.

Ben Armstrong

Ben Armstrong, also known as BitBoy Crypto, a famous YouTuber, TikToker, entrepreneur, social media star, media face, and Internet personality from the United States. He is known for his amazing YouTube videos about cryptocurrencies. BitBoy Crypto’s real name is Ben Armstrong. He has been around in the industry for a while and is considered an expert in the field.

Ben Armstrong is also 65% owner of BitBoy Crypto corp and has a significant following on various social media platforms and has made valuable contributions to the cryptocurrency community. Ben Armstrong, also known as BitBoy Crypto, was arrested on September 25, 2023, for loitering/prowling and simple assault by placing another in fear. He was released on bail around 8 hours after being booked by Gwinnett County police. The arrest unfolded while he was live streaming outside a former associate’s house.

Christine Lagarde

Christine Lagarde is a French lawyer and politician who has served as the President of the European Central Bank since November 2019. She was previously the 11th Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) from 2011 to 2019. Lagarde has also served in the Government of France, most prominently as Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industry from 2007 until 2011. She is the first woman to hold each of those posts.

Lagarde was born on January 1, 1956, in Paris, France. She graduated from law school at Paris Nanterre University and obtained a Master’s degree from Sciences Po Aix. After being admitted to the Paris Bar, she joined the international law firm Baker & McKenzie as an associate in 1981, specializing in labor and anti-trust, as well as mergers and acquisitions. Rising through the ranks, she was a member of the executive committee of the firm from 1995 until 1999, before being elevated to its Chair between 1999 and 2004; she was the first woman in both positions.

During her tenure as Managing Director of the IMF, Lagarde oversaw the organization’s response to the global financial crisis and played a key role in negotiating debt relief for Greece. As President of the European Central Bank, she has been instrumental in shaping monetary policy for the Eurozone.

As the President of the European Central Bank (ECB), Christine Lagarde has expressed mixed views on cryptocurrencies. While she has acknowledged the potential benefits of digital currencies and blockchain technology, she has also raised concerns about their risks and the need for regulation. Lagarde has stated that the ECB is exploring the possibility of launching a digital euro. However, she has also called for stricter regulation of cryptocurrencies to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing, and other illicit activities.