No One Would Listen: A True Financial Thriller

by Harry Markopolos

Book Overview

Harry Markopolos and his team of financial sleuths discuss first-hand how they cracked the Madoff Ponzi scheme

No One Would Listen is the thrilling story of how the Harry Markopolos, a little-known number cruncher from a Boston equity derivatives firm, and his investigative team uncovered Bernie Madoff's scam years before it made headlines, and how they desperately tried to warn the government, the industry, and the financial press.

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470553731
• ISBN13: 9780470553732
• Release Date: March 2010
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 354 Pages
• Weight: 1.46 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.6" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A true David and Goliath story

Although I was not an investor, I have been intrigued by the Madoff scandal since it exploded in December 2008. Ever since then, I have spent hours pouring over articles written in the press and documents released by the government and watched (and rewatched) all the hearings on this massive fraud. I even attended one of Harry Markopolos' speaking events to make sure that my television screen did not conjure up such a noble public servant. Of course, it is only consistent that I would have a copy of "No One Would Listen" in my hands on the first day of its release. Admittedly, I expected the book to be more or less a summary of everything I have learned thus far - I was very wrong. "No One Would Listen, " a true David and Goliath story, is the most riveting nonfiction I have ever read in my entire life. In the book, young innocent David is portrayed as a "wildly eccentric quant" from Boston named Harry Markopolos who tried to defend his country from the nine feet tall Philistine giant Goliath, portrayed as Bernie Madoff. King Saul of Israel and his army (the SEC) were terrified of Goliath. "No One Would Listen" is a 10-year first hand account of how Harry and his three friends tried to warn the government, the industry, and the press that the founder of the most successful broker-dealers in the financial industry was actually the biggest crook in history. Unfortunately, "No One Would Listen" does not have the same happy ending as the biblical David v. Goliath battle. For the past few days, I have been reading reviews on the book and found a lot of derogatory comments about Harry's character and his book. I have to wonder to myself if these reporters read the same book that I did and why they would want to tag their name with such unsubstantiated assertions. Before I continue on the book, I have to point out some false information printed by some media outlets. These book reviews only reconfirm the financial mediocrity in the press that Harry and his team had to deal with the past 10 years - that is why no one would listen. First, we know that in its 73 years of existence, the SEC has a history of treating whistleblowers like dirt and has only paid 2 whistleblower bounties. One reward, as told in the book, was in the amount of $3,500. I'm sick and tired of people throwing that Harry only went to the SEC because he was looking for a bounty. He knew from the start that his chance of receiving a bounty was remote. Even if he did receive a bounty, is $3,500 worth hundreds of hours of investigative research while he was most likely making a comfortable 6-figure salary at his previous employment? Second, some reporters claimed that the reason why no one would listen is because Harry is some sort of nut that rubbed the SEC the wrong way and that he was overly paranoid for fearing that Madoff may come after him. One only has to watch Harry's Feb. 4, 2009 testimony to Congress to confirm this man's articulate manner and brilliance. Do y

Pure Harry

I had the honor of "sitting across" from Harry on the Trading Desk. I feel extremely lucky to have learned the business from the best derivatives practitioner in Boston. There are very few derivatives-related books that approach required case study readings for rookies and veterans alike. Regardless of your industry, this book is one of those rare gems that will implore you to question conventional assumptions and challenge the supposed institutional wisdom that defines your professional circles. However, unlike most biz school case studies, you won't be bored. This book reads like its master in the shadows...

Good and educated read

In spite/despite the "flaming" by a fellow Kindle owner over the Kindle price, I found myself amused and horrified by Mr. Markopolos' well presented account of Madoff's scheme; as a member of the Bar, I live in disbelief at the non-action of the SEC. Mr. Markopolos was vainly trying to "herd chickens"!

Well Written Account of Harry's Efforts

Excellent account of the efforts of Harry Markopolos and his team in uncovering Bernie Madoff's fraud and then trying to expose him and get the government to act. The book is well written and documents the the abysmal failures of an SEC relying too heavily on lawyers and accountants who lack the sophistication to understand how the investment industry works and the investment solutions the industry markets to investors. Harry's account of when Noelle Frangipane, a member of the SEC's Inspector General's team investigating the SEC's failings, broke down and cried was indeed a particularly human moment and an account I'm glad Harry put in the book. There are people at the SEC who care. The agency clearly lacks investment professionals and people with investment industry operational experience. Lawyers and accountants have their role, but they are not trained as investment professionals. Great read! Good job Harry!

The definitive story

When the SEC was asleep at the wheel, Markopolos was there. It blew my mind when I read just how many times Markopolos tried to contact the SEC and the media, and so many times, he was ignored. To think of the money and the lives that could have been saved! When I wasn't baffled and educated by the contents of the book, I was laughing. Markopolos has managed to write a TRUE thriller with charm and humor. It comforts me to know that this book is out there, for all to read, and I hope it brings a lot of change to our financial watchdogs. Harry Markopolos is a hero.