Money Men Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *Money Men* by Dan McCrum about?

*Money Men* exposes the rise and fall of Wirecard, a German fintech giant that perpetrated a $30 billion fraud through fake bank accounts, money laundering, and fabricated financial records. Investigative journalist Dan McCrum unravels this complex scheme, detailing Wirecard’s shady dealings, aggressive cover-ups, and the threats faced by those who challenged its legitimacy. The book blends corporate true crime with McCrum’s firsthand account of pursuing the story.

Q: Who should read *Money Men*?

This book is ideal for fans of financial true crime (*Bad Blood*, *Empire of Pain*), professionals in finance or journalism, and anyone interested in corporate corruption. It offers insights into investigative reporting, regulatory failures, and the mechanics of large-scale financial fraud.

Q: How does *Money Men* compare to *Bad Blood* and *Empire of Pain*?

Like these exposés, *Money Men* reveals corporate hubris and systemic fraud. However, it uniquely highlights the role of complicit regulators and the global financial system’s vulnerabilities.

Money Men

Dan McCrum

4.04 (2789 Reviews)

Finance

Business

Technology

Overview

Key Takeaways

Author

FAQs

A Financial Times journalist's explosive expose of Wirecard - the $30 billion tech darling that perpetrated history's most audacious corporate fraud. Bradley Hope called it "the financial investigation of the decade," revealing how fake billions, intimidation tactics, and regulatory failures enabled a criminal empire's stunning collapse.

What is Money Men by Dan McCrum about?

Money Men exposes the rise and fall of Wirecard, a German fintech giant that perpetrated a $30 billion fraud through fake bank accounts, money laundering, and fabricated financial records. Investigative journalist Dan McCrum unravels this complex scheme, detailing Wirecard’s shady dealings, aggressive cover-ups, and the threats faced by those who challenged its legitimacy. The book blends corporate true crime with McCrum’s firsthand account of pursuing the story.

Who should read Money Men?

This book is ideal for fans of financial true crime (Bad Blood, Empire of Pain), professionals in finance or journalism, and anyone interested in corporate corruption. It offers insights into investigative reporting, regulatory failures, and the mechanics of large-scale financial fraud.

Is Money Men worth reading?

Yes. Awarded for its gripping narrative and compared to leading financial exposés, Money Men is praised for its meticulous research and pace. It won accolades from the London Press Club and Society of Editors, cementing McCrum’s reputation as a top investigative journalist.

How does Dan McCrum uncover the Wirecard scandal in Money Men?

McCrum combines anonymous insider interviews, forensic financial analysis, and leaked documents to piece together Wirecard’s fraud. His reporting faces legal threats, surveillance, and smear campaigns orchestrated by the company, yet he persists for years to reveal the truth.

What are the key financial crimes detailed in Money Men?

The book outlines fake revenue schemes, offshore money laundering, and forged balance sheets. Wirecard claimed €1.9 billion in nonexistent accounts, manipulated acquisitions to hide losses, and partnered with high-risk industries like online gambling and adult entertainment.

Who are the main figures in the Wirecard scandal according to Money Men?

CEO Markus Braun (charged with fraud) and COO Jan Marsalek (a fugitive) orchestrated the fraud. Marsalek, depicted as eccentric and paranoid, kept a MAGA hat in his office and hired individuals indicted for financial crimes.

How does Money Men critique regulatory failures during the Wirecard scandal?

German regulators dismissed allegations for years, prioritizing Wirecard’s status as a national tech champion over accountability. Authorities even prosecuted short-sellers and journalists instead of investigating the company.

How does Money Men compare to Bad Blood and Empire of Pain?

Like these exposés, Money Men reveals corporate hubris and systemic fraud. However, it uniquely highlights the role of complicit regulators and the global financial system’s vulnerabilities.

What challenges did Dan McCrum face while investigating Wirecard?

McCrum endured lawsuits, defamation campaigns, and physical threats. A hedge fund manager linked to his investigation was assaulted, while Wirecard hired private detectives to surveil critics.

What lessons can be learned from the Wirecard scandal in Money Men?

The case underscores the risks of unchecked corporate power, the importance of investigative journalism, and the need for transparent financial oversight. It also reveals how fraudsters exploit investor trust and regulatory gaps.

Why is Money Men relevant to understanding corporate fraud in 2025?

As digital finance grows, Wirecard’s tactics—fake audits, shell companies, and PR spin—remain cautionary tales. The book offers frameworks to identify red flags in tech-driven financial firms.

How does Money Men structure its narrative of the Wirecard scandal?

McCrum alternates between Wirecard’s history (1999–2020) and his investigation’s timeline, using share prices and market caps to track the company’s collapse. This dual perspective heightens tension and clarity.

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Key takeaways

The Tip That Started It All

00:00

It all began with a tip, as these stories often do. As a journalist at the Financial Times, I was no stranger to following leads, but this one was different. It pointed to a hot new tech company challenging Silicon Valley, a company that seemed almost too good to be true. That company was Wirecard. From the outside, Wirecard looked like a dream come true. Offices were sprouting up around the world, they were reporting runaway growth, and their CEO even wore a black turtleneck in tribute to Steve Jobs. In just a few short years, this company had come from nowhere to overtake industry giants like Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank on the stock market. It was the darling of the European tech scene, and investors couldn't get enough. But as I began to dig deeper, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The numbers didn't quite add up, the explanations were always a little too convenient, and there was an air of secrecy that seemed out of place for a public company. Little did I know that this initial suspicion would lead me down a rabbit hole of fraud, deception, and danger that would consume the next several years of my life.

The House of Cards

The Fight for Truth

The Walls Come Crumbling Down

Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead

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@Matt, YC alum

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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