Matthew Cox | Inside True Crime Podcast The Most Dangerous Man on Wall Street? | Tipper X
Jan 2, 2026
Tom Hardin, also known as Tipper X, shares his remarkable journey from Ivy League graduate to a pivotal FBI cooperator in insider trading cases. He discusses the pressure and rationalizations behind his initial trades, including cash payoffs and the adrenaline of risky dealings. Hardin recounts his confrontations with the FBI, his decision to confess, and the subsequent fallout on his personal life. Now, he uses his experiences to educate others about ethics and compliance, aiming to prevent future misconduct in finance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
First Insider Tip That Hooked Him
- Tom Hardin described receiving precise takeover tips from a Moody's analyst’s connection and buying a small position as a "flyer."
- The trade jumped 30% and the quick profit pulled him into an illicit insider-trading group dynamic.
Short-Term Pressure Breeds Rationalization
- Hardin identifies the "fraud triangle": pressure to perform, opportunity, and rationalization.
- Shifting investment horizons from years to months increases pressure and normalizes cutting ethical corners.
Ask Clarifying Questions Immediately
- Ask clarifying questions when a manager's directive feels ambiguous or ethically risky.
- Don’t decide alone; escalate to compliance or counsel instead of assuming "anything goes."