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.
1987: Release of the Movie "Wall Street"
The movie "Wall Street", released in 1987, features a character, Gordon Gekko, inspired by Ivan Boesky.
1991: Boesky and Silberstein Divorce
Boesky and Silberstein divorced in 1991.
May 20, 2024: Death of Ivan Boesky
Ivan Boesky passed away on May 20, 2024.