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Pyramid of Lies

Synopsis

An epic true story of ambition, greed and hubris – the collapse of Greensill Capital is a billion pound scandal that shredded the reputation of a British Prime Minister.

'The British version of Bad Blood . . . [but] better' – The Sunday Times

'Terrific' – The Observer, Book of the Week


Pyramid of Lies charts the meteoric rise and spectacular downfall of Lex Greensill and his company. He had a simple idea that disrupted a trillion dollar industry and drew in Swiss bankers, global CEOs, and world leaders, including former British Prime Minister, David Cameron. But a staid business model concealed dubious practices, as Greensill made increasingly risky loans to fraudulent companies using other people’s money.

Financial journalist Duncan Mavin, who helped expose Greensill, tells the incredible story of how a former sugar-cane farmer became one of the world’s richest men before falling back to earth. With a globe-circling narrative full of scandal and intrigue, Pyramid of Lies reveals how the grubby world of shadow banking really operates.

‘Forensic and riveting’ – The New Statesman

‘Meticulously researched and enjoyably lively’ – The Daily Telegraph

Details

13 July 2023
368 pages
9781529088922
Imprint: Macmillan Business

Reviews

An incredible book, transforming a complex financial scandal into a rich character dramaBradley Hope, co-author of New York Times bestseller Billion Dollar Whale
Quite simply one of the best books of investigative journalism I have ever read. Duncan Mavin is a natural storyteller and a brilliant sleuthMatthew d’Ancona, author of Post-Truth
Leaves little doubt that much is indeed wrong in the excessively close relationship between some financiers and politicians . . . [who] stood to gain millions of poundsSimon Clark, author of The Key Man
Mavin expertly demystifies the rise and fall of Greensill Capital and weaves an intriguing tale at the cross section of sleaze, power and greed at the heart of UK politics and global finance. A fascinating – and prescient – readKarl Holbrook, Executive Editor, Daily Express