The Anatomy of Fraud (TAF)

Course Number 1315

Professor Aiyesha Dey

Associate Professor Jonas Heese

Fall; Q1; 1.5 credits

Educational Objective

We are in the golden age of fraud. Learning how to detect and prevent fraud, and make better investment decisions, has broad applicability for people joining or running companies, as well as private and public market investors.

This course examines the most sensational global frauds of this millennium, such as Enron, FTX, and Lehman Brothers, with the following goals in mind:

To learn the strategies used in executing the fraud;
To understand how the fraud unraveled;
To spot financial and non-financial “red flags” that should have alerted investors;

The course features prominent speakers involved in the frauds, including executives, short sellers, and whistleblowers.

Career Focus

The course is relevant for future leaders, as they develop expertise to understand financial reporting implications of business decisions and identify key control fault-lines in companies that can lead to fraud. The course is also relevant for students seeking to develop sophisticated financial analysis skills to spot red flags in their investment portfolios, and better prepare for careers in hedge funds, investment banking, or private equity.

Course Administration

Course grades will be based on class participation (50%) and a final project (50%).