History of Ivan Boesky in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 21, 2024

Ivan Boesky was an American stock trader who gained notoriety for his involvement in a major insider trading scandal during the mid-1980s. His illegal activities resulted in a guilty plea, a record-breaking $100 million fine, and a three-year prison sentence. Following his conviction, Boesky cooperated with authorities as an informant.

March 6, 1937: Birth of Ivan Boesky

Ivan Frederick Boesky was born on March 6, 1937.

1962: Boesky Marries Seema Silberstein

Ivan Boesky married Seema Silberstein, the daughter of a Detroit real estate magnate, in 1962.

1965: Boesky Graduates Law School

In 1965, Ivan Boesky graduated from Detroit College of Law.

1966: Boesky Moves to New York

Boesky and his wife moved to New York in 1966.

1975: Boesky Starts His Own Company

In 1975, Boesky founded his own stock brokerage firm, Ivan F. Boesky & Company.

May 1986: Boesky's "Greed is Healthy" Speech

In May 1986, Boesky gave a commencement speech at the Haas School of Business, stating, "I think greed is healthy. You can be greedy and still feel good about yourself."

December 1, 1986: Boesky on Time Magazine Cover

Ivan Boesky was featured on the cover of Time magazine on December 1, 1986.

1986: Boesky Pleads Guilty to Insider Trading

In 1986, Ivan Boesky pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Commit Violations of the Federal Securities Laws for using insider information.

1987: Boesky Asks for Name Removal from Seminary Library

After facing the consequences of the financial scandal, in 1987, Ivan Boesky requested his name to be removed from the Jewish Theological Seminary Library.