Flash Boys

The author argues that post-crisis Wall Street remains dominated by large banks and highlights a small, diverse group of individuals who unite to reform the financial markets. This narrative reveals how these Wall Street insiders discovered that the U.S. stock market has been rigged to benefit a select few, and that, contrary to expectations, the markets have become more controlled by major banks rather than freer following the financial crisis. Each member of this group, working at different firms, independently reaches this realization. Upon connecting, they collaborate to create an exchange that eliminates the advantages of high-frequency trading, a significant source of market manipulation. The characters defy typical Wall Street stereotypes, with many having left lucrative positions in finance. From their new perspective, they investigate large banks, stock exchanges, and high-frequency trading firms, uncovering the unconventional methods Wall Street uses to generate profits. The author illuminates the darker aspects of the financial world, emphasizing that anyone involved with the market, even indirectly through retirement accounts, is part of this narrative. Ultimately, this is a story of individuals who maintain their moral integrity in a system that often rewards the opposite, recognizing institutionalized injustices and committing to rectify them.