Ex-Lehman Trader wants his BONUS!

Anybody know this guy? Read the full post on the link (inside the post) if you want.

7 years after Lehman failed, this trader still wants his $83 million bonus
Before Lehman Brothers collapsed, pulling the trigger on the global financial crisis, a little-known bond trader was on a hot streak. Over two years, Jonathan Hoffman had brought the megabank more than $700 million in profits.

Just 35 years old, Hoffman was looking forward to an $83 million bonus. It was an eye-popping payday, even by Wall Street standards and a reflection of Hoffman’s reputation as a talented trader.

But Lehman’s bankruptcy threw Hoffman’s bonus into doubt. “Just plain [sucks]. No way to sugar coat it . . . i am pretty bummed,” Hoffman said in an 2008 email. “Never really had years like these last 2 before.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/bonuses-still-a-painful…

22 Comments
 

Was he px action focused?

Mr. Hoffman said his trading style had “quite a bit of gut in it” and was based largely on reading trading data and understanding trade flows. He paid almost no attention to traditional market forces such as economic growth rates and monetary policies.

“I have no view on interest rates, no view on the curve,” he said. “I never speak to clients. I don’t know who is on the other side of the trade. I guess I am a lone wolf.”

source: http://www.wsj.com/articles/trader-wrestles-with-lehman-estate-over-big…

 

I don't understand what the controversy is. Lehman is contractually obligated to pay him his bonus. It's simply a matter of the seniority of his claim and the value of Lehman's residual assets. If they have it, they should pay it.

“Elections are a futures market for stolen property”
 
"Zombie Lawyer"

I don't understand what the controversy is.

Then you nothing about human nature. Nothing. . If you said that you didn't understand the legal argument about why he should get all of his bonus, then you would at least be a lawyer. Human? Not really, but at least a lawyer. Not understanding the controversy? For once, I am speechless.
 
"undefined"
Zombie Lawyer:I don't understand what the controversy is.

Then you nothing about human nature. Nothing.
.

If you said that you didn't understand the legal argument about why he should get all of his bonus, then you would at least be a lawyer. Human? Not really, but at least a lawyer.

Not understanding the controversy? For once, I am speechless.

Fair point.

Let me rephrase.

Lehman doesn't want to settle its debts; it doesn't want to pay. I get that. People, at least some people, support Lehman because they're jealous of the trader's income. I get that as well.

I am troubled by the fact that our legal system has not yet worked for this trader. He is owed a certain sum of money by law, by contract.

“Elections are a futures market for stolen property”
 

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