Keywords; receiver, Ponzi scheme, in pari delicto doctrine, clawbacks, secondary liability actions, conflict of interest.

Abstract: 

In the wake of Ponzi schemes, federal courts often appoint receivers to recoup stolen money for the benefit of the defrauded investors. A receiver's primary function is to claw back money that the Ponzi scheme paid to so-called winning investors and others. But the courts should supervise more closely—and in many instances may wish to preclude altogether—receiver actions for negligence or secondary liability, for example, lawsuits alleging that a financial institution aided and abetted the fraudsters. As the authors explain, allowing receivers to bring these secondary liability actions may not best serve the defrauded investors, whose interests may conflict with the receivers'. Moreover, such actions tend to impose undue burdens on defendants, as Ponzi scheme receivers routinely seek special treatment not available to other litigants.

Subscribers click here to open full text in PDF.

Non-subscribers click here to purchase this article. $20.

Originally published Spring 2017.

Visit us at mayerbrown.com

Mayer Brown is a global legal services provider comprising legal practices that are separate entities (the "Mayer Brown Practices"). The Mayer Brown Practices are: Mayer Brown LLP and Mayer Brown Europe – Brussels LLP, both limited liability partnerships established in Illinois USA; Mayer Brown International LLP, a limited liability partnership incorporated in England and Wales (authorized and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and registered in England and Wales number OC 303359); Mayer Brown, a SELAS established in France; Mayer Brown JSM, a Hong Kong partnership and its associated entities in Asia; and Tauil & Chequer Advogados, a Brazilian law partnership with which Mayer Brown is associated. "Mayer Brown" and the Mayer Brown logo are the trademarks of the Mayer Brown Practices in their respective jurisdictions.

© Copyright 2017. The Mayer Brown Practices. All rights reserved.

This Mayer Brown article provides information and comments on legal issues and developments of interest. The foregoing is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide legal advice. Readers should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to the matters discussed herein.