Really interesting insight into the reality of large banks behind the public facade, and the greed, politics and corruption among bankers, particularly at management level.

An exciting story that got me at first because the bank was fined 1.92billon dollars. You come to find out though that this was because of banking infractions before his accusations. Now though his story and this book for me were an easy read in one afternoon, I did believe his findings about HBSC while he worked there and what was going on with the money transfers. I still think that they are happening but no one cares because it is like everything else we as a public are diverted by other news or information that people want us to believe is more important. It is no divergent from the college scandal where everyone was up in arms because of some actors and what their parents did which was wrong, but the main person who was originally charged with SEC crimes and fraudulently took people's retirement and other savings worth far more was trying to save himself jail time so told about this college scam. So does what this person talks about in this book happen yes, will our government change no because congress and others still get large amounts of money from the banking industry to make it easier for them. Overall a good book.

Dark Money and Private Spies by Everett Stern
This is a difficult book to review because some parts are difficult to believe are told with complete accuracy. Why do I say this? Mr. Stern has lived a life of fighting injustice from his high school days until now in his mid-forties. Often, his assessment of success does not match up to the facts of his involvement in whatever law enforcement has been able to convict. As examples, as a 16 yr old he tries to help the police catch drug pushers. Later after failing out of college, he obtains a job with HSBC in their compliance department. This time he tries to work with the CIA, FBI and Maxine Walters to provide them inside information on the lack of compliance by the bank to catch money transfers that are illegal. None of the above end up directly using his work. HSBC is convicted but this is for crimes committed before he worked for HSBC. Later, he attempts to run against Senator Toomey in the Republican primary. Not surprisingly he losses. He is running again as an Independent in 2022. There are other allegations against General Michael Flynn. Although from my political perspective these could be true they just are not backed by sufficient evidence. I would not recomend this book.