The Laundromat (2019)

Trader's Film Library #50 · Frauds and scandals. A satire about how money disappears into tax havens.

Original title: The Laundromat · Type: film · Created by: Steven Soderbergh · Usefulness for traders: ★★☆☆☆

What it's about

After a tragedy, Ellen (Meryl Streep) uncovers a network of shell companies through which her compensation vanishes. They lead her to the law firm Mossack Fonseca (Gary Oldman and Antonio Banderas), at the centre of the Panama Papers scandal.

What it has to do with markets

The film explains the mechanics of shell companies and tax havens in satirical form. Its only link to trading is the world of finance.

Lessons for traders

• ownership structure matters: who is really behind a company?
• complex structures often hide risk
• fraud usually has victims far from where it happens

What to watch out for

A satire with narrators who break the fourth wall.

Discussion

The discussion takes place in Hetman Capital Club (in Polish). Join the discussion in the Club →

Navigation

← #49 Billionaire Boys Club · Film Library index · #51 The Illusion Seller: The Rise and Fall of Generación Zoe →

The description outlines the plot without revealing the ending where possible (true stories have a known outcome). Educational content, not investment advice.