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THE MONEY-CHANGERS.
Ben Roselli, president of First Mercantile American Bank and grandson of the founder, makes the shocking announcement that he's dying. With no offspring to inherit the company, Roselli knows that executive VPs Roscoe Heyward and Alex Vandervoort are the obvious candidates to succeed him. Heyward, who has been with First Mercantile for two decades, will do whatever it takes to bring in new clients and win the coveted presidency. Vandervoort, a newcomer from the Federal Reserve with a left-wing girlfriend, advocates for a socially responsible plan of growth. And now the discovery of counterfeit cash and credit card fraud threatens the future of the bank itself.
From the day-to-day business dealings to the inner sanctums of the money trading center and the boardroom, Hailey s novel is a riveting tale of ambition, greed, and the US banking system.
476 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 1975
778 people are currently reading
2299 people want to read
About the author
Arthur Hailey
96 books770 followersArthur Hailey was a British/Canadian novelist. After working at a number of jobs and writing part-time, he became a writer full-time during 1956, encouraged by the success of the CBC television drama, Flight into Danger (in print as
Runway Zero Eight
). Following the success of Hotel in 1965, he moved to California; followed by a permanent move to the Bahamas in 1969.
Each of his novels has a different industrial or commercial setting and includes, in addition to dramatic human conflict, carefully researched information about the way that particular environment and system functions and how these affect society and its inhabitants.
Critics often dismissed Hailey's success as the result of a formulaic "potboiler" style, in which he caused an ordinary character to become involved in a crisis, then increased the suspense by switching among multiple related plot lines.
Hailey would spend approximately one year researching a subject, followed by six months reviewing his notes and, finally, about 18 months writing the book.
Many of his books reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and more than 170 million copies have been sold worldwide in 40 languages. Many have been made into movies and Hotel was made into a long-running television series. Airport became a successful film with dramatic visual effects.
A Canadian citizen whose children live in Canada and California, Hailey made his home in Lyford Cay, an exclusive residential resort on New Providence Island in the Bahamas with his second wife Sheila.
In 2002, Hailey told John Marquis, editor of the Bahamas' principal daily newspaper The Tribune, that he was lucky in having supportive parents who encouraged him to believe in himself. Brought up in a working-class home, Hailey never lost the common touch following his phenomenal success. 'I have worked hard, but I have also been very lucky,' he said.
Each of his novels has a different industrial or commercial setting and includes, in addition to dramatic human conflict, carefully researched information about the way that particular environment and system functions and how these affect society and its inhabitants.
Critics often dismissed Hailey's success as the result of a formulaic "potboiler" style, in which he caused an ordinary character to become involved in a crisis, then increased the suspense by switching among multiple related plot lines.
Hailey would spend approximately one year researching a subject, followed by six months reviewing his notes and, finally, about 18 months writing the book.
Many of his books reached #1 on the New York Times bestseller list and more than 170 million copies have been sold worldwide in 40 languages. Many have been made into movies and Hotel was made into a long-running television series. Airport became a successful film with dramatic visual effects.
A Canadian citizen whose children live in Canada and California, Hailey made his home in Lyford Cay, an exclusive residential resort on New Providence Island in the Bahamas with his second wife Sheila.
In 2002, Hailey told John Marquis, editor of the Bahamas' principal daily newspaper The Tribune, that he was lucky in having supportive parents who encouraged him to believe in himself. Brought up in a working-class home, Hailey never lost the common touch following his phenomenal success. 'I have worked hard, but I have also been very lucky,' he said.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
February 15, 2021
The dry subject of banking,finance and investing becomes very entertaining in Hailey's hands. The president of a bank is dying and there are two contenders to take over from him. One of them plays it fair while the other would resort to any means to achieve his objective.
There are several intriguing subplots,as in most Hailey books. There is the little guy,this time in the form of a bank teller who gets charged with stealing. There is a mid level executive who is crooked enough to want others to take the blame for his crimes.Hailey takes a look at currency and credit card fraud and the involvement of the mafia.
An investment guru offers financial and investment advice. This echoes Hailey's own views and his preference for gold as the best investment to protect against the volatility of financial markets.
Another chapter deals with how rumours can jeopardize the solvency of a bank if most of its depositors feel uncertain enough to want to withdraw their money at once.
All these elements are skilfully combined to create a suspenseful story.This is a novel about greed, corruption and the consequences that follow. This is a top-notch financial thriller, the pace never slackens.
There are several intriguing subplots,as in most Hailey books. There is the little guy,this time in the form of a bank teller who gets charged with stealing. There is a mid level executive who is crooked enough to want others to take the blame for his crimes.Hailey takes a look at currency and credit card fraud and the involvement of the mafia.
An investment guru offers financial and investment advice. This echoes Hailey's own views and his preference for gold as the best investment to protect against the volatility of financial markets.
Another chapter deals with how rumours can jeopardize the solvency of a bank if most of its depositors feel uncertain enough to want to withdraw their money at once.
All these elements are skilfully combined to create a suspenseful story.This is a novel about greed, corruption and the consequences that follow. This is a top-notch financial thriller, the pace never slackens.
August 11, 2012
How does this man do it. Take an industry learn it and then churn out a story. His pace is not adrenaline pumping nor is there any dead zones. It just flows so smoothly that once you start at page one it just turns until you find yourself staring at the last page.
Money Changers is about the banking business, especially corporate banking. It gives an insight into the world of lending and borrowing works, with a great interplay between profit and ethics.Bankers indeed never seem to have time for anything else other than work. For those reading it beware it a book released before internet hit our world and talks about the possibility of core banking being installed and suggests automated teller machines not as a stand alone but connected to a grid of tellers sitting at a computer some where far away. There is a right mix of jargon and the introduces the lay reader to many processes that are in the banking framework.
It is indeed a joy to read as one see's Arthur Hailey deft weave not only the growth of the character but the very greed of man to touch the vice that will pull him down. Beautifully written, a definite good read.
Money Changers is about the banking business, especially corporate banking. It gives an insight into the world of lending and borrowing works, with a great interplay between profit and ethics.Bankers indeed never seem to have time for anything else other than work. For those reading it beware it a book released before internet hit our world and talks about the possibility of core banking being installed and suggests automated teller machines not as a stand alone but connected to a grid of tellers sitting at a computer some where far away. There is a right mix of jargon and the introduces the lay reader to many processes that are in the banking framework.
It is indeed a joy to read as one see's Arthur Hailey deft weave not only the growth of the character but the very greed of man to touch the vice that will pull him down. Beautifully written, a definite good read.
July 6, 2012
My second-favourite Hailey. Someone like me, who finds business- , finance- , stock market-related subjects boring, couldn't put it down. Simply brilliant!
July 18, 2021
"Може би защото животът му в повече отношения бе доста традиционен, Бен Розели обичаше бързите коли и ги караше така, както бяха изчислени от конструкторите им — с десния крак близо до пода."
"— Само глупаците се опитват да скриват доходите си или мамят с данъците си по някакъв друг начин — често казваше той. — Защо да поемам такъв риск, след като законните начини да се избегне плащането на данъци са повече и от дупките на швейцарското сирене. Човек трябва само да ги проучи и да положи усилия, за да използва съществуващите възможности."
"Един от колегите им бе казал за него: „Роскоу може да прочете доклада за печалбите и загубите така, както диригентът на симфоничен оркестър чете партитурите — той усеща нюансите, силните ноти, незавършените пасажи, кресчендата и скритите възможности, които другите пропускат да забележат“."
"Думите му бяха потвърждение на това, че в живота всичко има своя край. Те бяха един вид присмех към собствените му амбиции, към амбициите на Роскоу Хейуърд, към амбициите въобще."
"Кога ли хората ще усвоят отново урока, който учи, че не съществува лесен дълг?"
"Защо, о, защо сме принудени да прибягваме до фатален избор? Защо животът ни поднася такива неизбежни ситуации? Защо се бе оженил за Силия? Защо се разболя тя? Защо все още не можеше да направи решителната крачка и да се разведе? Защо й беше на Марго да се бори в защита на другите? Защо трябваше да реши дали би могъл да живее без нея?"
"Биха могли да се добавят и още важни неща за банковото дело. Първо, банките са много по-загрижени да гарантират собствените си печалби, отколкото тези на своите клиенти. И второ, банките осигуряват за себе си многократно по-големи печалби, отколкото за аутсайдерите, които им предоставят парите си."
"— А има ли някакъв универсален съвет, който даваш на хората? — попита Алекс. — Разбира се, че има — грижи се сам за парите си! — Но ако става дума за някой, който не е достатъчно информиран... — Тогава да се информира. Това не е чак толкова трудно. А да се грижиш сам за парите си е истинско удоволствие. Човек, разбира се, би могъл да чуе различни съвети, но трябва да подхожда с известен скептицизъм и с резерви, и добре да си помисли, преди да реши кой съвет да последва. След известно време човек се научава на кого да вярва и на кого — не. Трябва много да се чете, включително и такива финансови списания като моето. Никога не трябва да предоставяш на друг правото да взима решения вместо теб."
"— В критична ситуация човек се опитва да спаси всички. С разплати и отмъщения ще се занимаваме по-късно."
"— Работата е в това — подчерта Алекс, — че много хора не могат да разберат едно: банките и паричната система, със своите вложения и заеми, са точна машина, поддържана в деликатно равновесие. Ако с нея се работи неумело, ако поради алчност, политически съображения или просто глупост от строя излезе един-единствен компонент, това разрушава цялата машина. Ако веднъж си поставил системата или някоя банка в опасност, това не остава в тайна, а кризата в доверието свършва останалото."
"Имаше още нещо, и Алекс си даваше сметка, че то е много важно: хората не вярваха повече на това, което им се казваше, беше им омръзнало да ги заблуждават и лъжат. Тях непрекъснато ги лъжеха — лъжеше ги президентът, висшите правителствени служители, политиците, бизнесмените, индустриалците. Лъжеха ги работодателите им и синдикалните дейци. Заблуждаваха ги чрез различни реклами. Мамеха ги чрез финансови операции, включително и при закупуването на акции и други ценни книжа, мамеха ги и в годишните доклади за акционерите и „официалните“ изявления на корпорациите. Не рядко бяха заблуждавани и от средствата за масова информация, които просто „пропускаха“ да съобщят нещо важно. Нямаше край списъкът на измамите. Те се трупаха безпощадно една върху друга, и така лъжата, или в най-добрия случай изопачаването и премълчаването се бяха превърнали в начин на живот."
"Късно следобед Алекс бе готов да се предаде. Това, което беше писано да става, щеше да стане и нищо повече не можеше да се направи. Реши, че има неща, които са неминуеми и че трябва да се приемат такива, каквито са — и от хората, и от институциите."
"Алекс мълчеше. Какво би могъл да каже, какво въобще би могъл да каже човек пред истината?"
"Но очевидно човек никога не може да е сигурен, че познава добре хората, с които общува. Колкото и да му се струва, че това е така."
"— Хем смешно, хем тъжно — повтори Марго, — но не е ли и животът такъв?"
"Заслужаваше ли си да хаби толкова сили? Струваше ли си да положи тези нечовешки усилия, да направи безброй лични жертви и да се подложи на толкова тревоги и напрежение? И за какво всичко това? За да спаси от провал една банка, един магазин за пари, една машина за пари. Не беше ли работата на Марго, например, в помощ на бедните и онеправданите много по-важна от неговата работа, не допринасяше ли тя значително повече за обществото? И да, и не, защото банките все пак бяха необходими, в известен смисъл те бяха толкова важни, колкото и хлябът. Без паричната система цивилизацията би се разпаднала. А банките, макар че не бяха съвършени, все пак позволяваха на тази система да действа."
"— Само глупаците се опитват да скриват доходите си или мамят с данъците си по някакъв друг начин — често казваше той. — Защо да поемам такъв риск, след като законните начини да се избегне плащането на данъци са повече и от дупките на швейцарското сирене. Човек трябва само да ги проучи и да положи усилия, за да използва съществуващите възможности."
"Един от колегите им бе казал за него: „Роскоу може да прочете доклада за печалбите и загубите така, както диригентът на симфоничен оркестър чете партитурите — той усеща нюансите, силните ноти, незавършените пасажи, кресчендата и скритите възможности, които другите пропускат да забележат“."
"Думите му бяха потвърждение на това, че в живота всичко има своя край. Те бяха един вид присмех към собствените му амбиции, към амбициите на Роскоу Хейуърд, към амбициите въобще."
"Кога ли хората ще усвоят отново урока, който учи, че не съществува лесен дълг?"
"Защо, о, защо сме принудени да прибягваме до фатален избор? Защо животът ни поднася такива неизбежни ситуации? Защо се бе оженил за Силия? Защо се разболя тя? Защо все още не можеше да направи решителната крачка и да се разведе? Защо й беше на Марго да се бори в защита на другите? Защо трябваше да реши дали би могъл да живее без нея?"
"Биха могли да се добавят и още важни неща за банковото дело. Първо, банките са много по-загрижени да гарантират собствените си печалби, отколкото тези на своите клиенти. И второ, банките осигуряват за себе си многократно по-големи печалби, отколкото за аутсайдерите, които им предоставят парите си."
"— А има ли някакъв универсален съвет, който даваш на хората? — попита Алекс. — Разбира се, че има — грижи се сам за парите си! — Но ако става дума за някой, който не е достатъчно информиран... — Тогава да се информира. Това не е чак толкова трудно. А да се грижиш сам за парите си е истинско удоволствие. Човек, разбира се, би могъл да чуе различни съвети, но трябва да подхожда с известен скептицизъм и с резерви, и добре да си помисли, преди да реши кой съвет да последва. След известно време човек се научава на кого да вярва и на кого — не. Трябва много да се чете, включително и такива финансови списания като моето. Никога не трябва да предоставяш на друг правото да взима решения вместо теб."
"— В критична ситуация човек се опитва да спаси всички. С разплати и отмъщения ще се занимаваме по-късно."
"— Работата е в това — подчерта Алекс, — че много хора не могат да разберат едно: банките и паричната система, със своите вложения и заеми, са точна машина, поддържана в деликатно равновесие. Ако с нея се работи неумело, ако поради алчност, политически съображения или просто глупост от строя излезе един-единствен компонент, това разрушава цялата машина. Ако веднъж си поставил системата или някоя банка в опасност, това не остава в тайна, а кризата в доверието свършва останалото."
"Имаше още нещо, и Алекс си даваше сметка, че то е много важно: хората не вярваха повече на това, което им се казваше, беше им омръзнало да ги заблуждават и лъжат. Тях непрекъснато ги лъжеха — лъжеше ги президентът, висшите правителствени служители, политиците, бизнесмените, индустриалците. Лъжеха ги работодателите им и синдикалните дейци. Заблуждаваха ги чрез различни реклами. Мамеха ги чрез финансови операции, включително и при закупуването на акции и други ценни книжа, мамеха ги и в годишните доклади за акционерите и „официалните“ изявления на корпорациите. Не рядко бяха заблуждавани и от средствата за масова информация, които просто „пропускаха“ да съобщят нещо важно. Нямаше край списъкът на измамите. Те се трупаха безпощадно една върху друга, и така лъжата, или в най-добрия случай изопачаването и премълчаването се бяха превърнали в начин на живот."
"Късно следобед Алекс бе готов да се предаде. Това, което беше писано да става, щеше да стане и нищо повече не можеше да се направи. Реши, че има неща, които са неминуеми и че трябва да се приемат такива, каквито са — и от хората, и от институциите."
"Алекс мълчеше. Какво би могъл да каже, какво въобще би могъл да каже човек пред истината?"
"Но очевидно човек никога не може да е сигурен, че познава добре хората, с които общува. Колкото и да му се струва, че това е така."
"— Хем смешно, хем тъжно — повтори Марго, — но не е ли и животът такъв?"
"Заслужаваше ли си да хаби толкова сили? Струваше ли си да положи тези нечовешки усилия, да направи безброй лични жертви и да се подложи на толкова тревоги и напрежение? И за какво всичко това? За да спаси от провал една банка, един магазин за пари, една машина за пари. Не беше ли работата на Марго, например, в помощ на бедните и онеправданите много по-важна от неговата работа, не допринасяше ли тя значително повече за обществото? И да, и не, защото банките все пак бяха необходими, в известен смисъл те бяха толкова важни, колкото и хлябът. Без паричната система цивилизацията би се разпаднала. А банките, макар че не бяха съвършени, все пак позволяваха на тази система да действа."
May 7, 2018
This was my 6th book by Hailey and thankfully this was one of the better ones along with Airport. Hailey is so repetitive and formulaic. I think he used "Find and Replace" option to write all his novels after the first one. Replace character names, replace technical terms of industry, replace setting of events - and you have a new Hailey novel in a different setting. Or maybe there is an X factor too - Hailey magic, that makes us return every now and then to pick up another novel. Afterall, the pacing is even and he never gets boring even at his worst.
Recommended read for fiction-lovers.
Recommended read for fiction-lovers.
February 7, 2026
Arthur Hailey delivers yet another compelling, meticulously crafted novel—one that reinforces why he remains a master of the industry-driven thriller. Though each of Hailey’s books explores a different professional world, they all share big ideas, vivid characters, and sharply drawn dialogue. This novel is no exception, and readers hoping for another classic Hailey outing can, quite literally, take it to the bank.
When Ben Roselli, president of First Mercantile American Bank, reveals that he is dying, shockwaves ripple through both his family legacy and the institution he has spent years building upon his grandfather’s foundation. With no clear heir, Roselli knows his successor will be chosen from among his executive vice presidents—namely Roscoe Heyward and Alex Vandervoort. Each man brings a distinct vision for the bank’s future: Heyward, deeply entrenched in the institution’s culture, and Vandervoort, a former federal insider with a genuine passion for banking reform. Neither, however, is without serious flaws. As major banking missteps loom and crises mount, both men must navigate ambition, ethics, and pressure if they hope to claim the presidency.
Hailey excels at layering complex, interwoven storylines that keep the pages turning late into the night. His trademark balance of education and entertainment is on full display here. Despite the detailed subject matter, the novel never becomes bogged down in technicalities. Structured in multiple sections with tightly focused chapters, the pacing remains brisk, allowing tension to build steadily and ensuring that Hailey’s dramatic flair never falters.
The characters are varied, multidimensional, and well developed, each advancing personal agendas while contributing to the broader narrative. Hailey transforms what could be a mundane setting into a morally charged arena filled with revelations, deception, and compromise. Banking may seem dry on the surface, but under Hailey’s pen it becomes a fascinating reflection of power, responsibility, and human weakness.
Readers will need to accept that the novel reflects the era in which it was written—particularly in its technological assumptions—but its themes remain strikingly relevant. This is an insightful and occasionally unsettling look at an industry that touches everyone’s life in some way. Hailey once again proves his ability to inform, provoke, and entertain in equal measure. Having discovered Arthur Hailey’s work only recently, I’m eager to continue exploring his extensive catalogue—and I find myself learning something new with every turn of the page.
Kudos, Mr. Hailey, for another brilliant novel!
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When Ben Roselli, president of First Mercantile American Bank, reveals that he is dying, shockwaves ripple through both his family legacy and the institution he has spent years building upon his grandfather’s foundation. With no clear heir, Roselli knows his successor will be chosen from among his executive vice presidents—namely Roscoe Heyward and Alex Vandervoort. Each man brings a distinct vision for the bank’s future: Heyward, deeply entrenched in the institution’s culture, and Vandervoort, a former federal insider with a genuine passion for banking reform. Neither, however, is without serious flaws. As major banking missteps loom and crises mount, both men must navigate ambition, ethics, and pressure if they hope to claim the presidency.
Hailey excels at layering complex, interwoven storylines that keep the pages turning late into the night. His trademark balance of education and entertainment is on full display here. Despite the detailed subject matter, the novel never becomes bogged down in technicalities. Structured in multiple sections with tightly focused chapters, the pacing remains brisk, allowing tension to build steadily and ensuring that Hailey’s dramatic flair never falters.
The characters are varied, multidimensional, and well developed, each advancing personal agendas while contributing to the broader narrative. Hailey transforms what could be a mundane setting into a morally charged arena filled with revelations, deception, and compromise. Banking may seem dry on the surface, but under Hailey’s pen it becomes a fascinating reflection of power, responsibility, and human weakness.
Readers will need to accept that the novel reflects the era in which it was written—particularly in its technological assumptions—but its themes remain strikingly relevant. This is an insightful and occasionally unsettling look at an industry that touches everyone’s life in some way. Hailey once again proves his ability to inform, provoke, and entertain in equal measure. Having discovered Arthur Hailey’s work only recently, I’m eager to continue exploring his extensive catalogue—and I find myself learning something new with every turn of the page.
Kudos, Mr. Hailey, for another brilliant novel!
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March 11, 2020
Bija pietiekami interesanti par banku 70.gados, kredītkaršu un naudas viltošanu, bankas darījumiem. Bet nu tipiski Heilijam viens no galvenajiem varoņiem ir morāles balsts, bet otram paslīd kāja nelikumību virzienā un iznākums prognozējams.
November 7, 2018
Артър Хейли и светът на големите пари: http://knigolandia.info/book-review/b...
Дори не знам колко пъти съм препрочитал “Банкери” някога, едва ли ще са по-малко от пет-шест. Зачетох се с лекота и сякаш се върнах назад във времето – банката пак се люшкаше покрай смъртта на своя президент, двамата кандидати за поста му се вкопчват в люта битка за поста му, макар от самото начало да е ясно кой е “добрият” и кой – “лошият”, започват се проблемите с паричните наличности и любимата ми сцена, в която двама възрастни, дошли да спасят спестяванията си, решават все пак да се доверят – и задвижват вълната на спасението. Кражбата на парите и бързото разкриване на извършителя (странно, мислех, че това е в края чак, да си призная) – изкуплението, което му се стоварва, и неочакваната прошка, която получава. И падението на амбицирания да се докаже и оплетен в проблеми вицепрезидент, който няма шанс пред изкушенията, които го застигат в момент на слабост. Успехът и провалът са винаги само на една крачка разстояние. Крачка, която е важно в коя посока правиш.
Издателска къща БАРД
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/b...
Дори не знам колко пъти съм препрочитал “Банкери” някога, едва ли ще са по-малко от пет-шест. Зачетох се с лекота и сякаш се върнах назад във времето – банката пак се люшкаше покрай смъртта на своя президент, двамата кандидати за поста му се вкопчват в люта битка за поста му, макар от самото начало да е ясно кой е “добрият” и кой – “лошият”, започват се проблемите с паричните наличности и любимата ми сцена, в която двама възрастни, дошли да спасят спестяванията си, решават все пак да се доверят – и задвижват вълната на спасението. Кражбата на парите и бързото разкриване на извършителя (странно, мислех, че това е в края чак, да си призная) – изкуплението, което му се стоварва, и неочакваната прошка, която получава. И падението на амбицирания да се докаже и оплетен в проблеми вицепрезидент, който няма шанс пред изкушенията, които го застигат в момент на слабост. Успехът и провалът са винаги само на една крачка разстояние. Крачка, която е важно в коя посока правиш.
Издателска къща БАРД
http://knigolandia.info/book-review/b...
June 1, 2015
Whenever I read a novel by Arthur Hailey, I’m amazed at the amount of research that has gone into writing it. He has written books on power plants, airports, hotels and even doctors - every book seems to be written from an insider’s point of view. This book is no different.
This book is about an American bank First Mercantile American in 1970s. At the start of the book, Ben Rosseli, the president of the bank announces that he has incurable lung cancer and will die soon. Consequently, the two vice-presidents, Alex Vandervoot and Roscoe Hayward start aggressive campaigning for the post of the president. Both characters are well-developed with shades of grey. Roscoe Hayward is in a loveless asexual marriage and believes that wooing big businesses is the way forward for the bank. Alex Vandervoot is in a relationship outside of his marriage with a left-wing activist lawyer and his own wife is in an asylum due to schizophrenia. He is more populist and public-friendly in his vision for the bank. An insider robbery also makes side-plot in the novel and is written rather well.
The functioning of the bank branches is described very well by Arthur Hailey. The most impressive detail according to me was about ATMs. So there’s a passage in the book that goes like this - “…Neither we nor our competitors can go on affording the gilded sepulchres we have as branch banks now…In ten years, half-at least-of our present branch banks will have ceased to exist as we know them. We’ll retain a few key ones. The rest will be in less expensive premises, totally automated, with machine tellers, TV monitors to answer queries, and all linked to a computer centre…” This novel was released in 1975. The patent for first ATM was given in 1970. Arthur Hailey managed to predict such a major change in banking. I’m sure he must have researched a great deal and talked to bankers while writing this book. This is the depth of detail to which he went in his novels!
I believe that a book review should be detailed enough to engage and intrigue a reader but crisp enough to not reveal any major plot-lines. With this thought I end my review and recommend this book for readers of good old-fashioned fiction.
This book is about an American bank First Mercantile American in 1970s. At the start of the book, Ben Rosseli, the president of the bank announces that he has incurable lung cancer and will die soon. Consequently, the two vice-presidents, Alex Vandervoot and Roscoe Hayward start aggressive campaigning for the post of the president. Both characters are well-developed with shades of grey. Roscoe Hayward is in a loveless asexual marriage and believes that wooing big businesses is the way forward for the bank. Alex Vandervoot is in a relationship outside of his marriage with a left-wing activist lawyer and his own wife is in an asylum due to schizophrenia. He is more populist and public-friendly in his vision for the bank. An insider robbery also makes side-plot in the novel and is written rather well.
The functioning of the bank branches is described very well by Arthur Hailey. The most impressive detail according to me was about ATMs. So there’s a passage in the book that goes like this - “…Neither we nor our competitors can go on affording the gilded sepulchres we have as branch banks now…In ten years, half-at least-of our present branch banks will have ceased to exist as we know them. We’ll retain a few key ones. The rest will be in less expensive premises, totally automated, with machine tellers, TV monitors to answer queries, and all linked to a computer centre…” This novel was released in 1975. The patent for first ATM was given in 1970. Arthur Hailey managed to predict such a major change in banking. I’m sure he must have researched a great deal and talked to bankers while writing this book. This is the depth of detail to which he went in his novels!
I believe that a book review should be detailed enough to engage and intrigue a reader but crisp enough to not reveal any major plot-lines. With this thought I end my review and recommend this book for readers of good old-fashioned fiction.
June 27, 2025
Arthur Hailey books are amazing! This is my second. The research the author does is simply extraordinary. No wonder his books ended up as movies, television series, and so on. I will be reading every one of his books, I would imagine. A fair amount of blasphemy, which was not appreciated, but largely a very acceptable and entertaining read. 4 stars.
July 31, 2007
I am somewhat irritated that the villain is an uptight
Episcopalian, but at least Hailey does make him struggle
with his conscience.
The book did give interesting insights into the moral
issues of American banking about 25 years ago.
I was originally led to read it by the opening pages
which set up an interesting quasi-locked-room back theft, but it was solved early on and became peripheral to the main plot.
Episcopalian, but at least Hailey does make him struggle
with his conscience.
The book did give interesting insights into the moral
issues of American banking about 25 years ago.
I was originally led to read it by the opening pages
which set up an interesting quasi-locked-room back theft, but it was solved early on and became peripheral to the main plot.
December 5, 2012
Well Researched. Crisp story. Interesting tid-bits.
The characters have a pre 1990 feel with clearly defined heroes and villains.. Technology seems like an afterthought(which itself is amazing since it was written in 1975).. Crimes seem less sophisticated.. Memorable characters.. Very futuristic on Corporate Governance and Insider trading.. Gold Standard explained..
This is a fun way to know an industry.. Read Hailey!
The characters have a pre 1990 feel with clearly defined heroes and villains.. Technology seems like an afterthought(which itself is amazing since it was written in 1975).. Crimes seem less sophisticated.. Memorable characters.. Very futuristic on Corporate Governance and Insider trading.. Gold Standard explained..
This is a fun way to know an industry.. Read Hailey!
November 27, 2014
While some things show the age of this book (credit cards with a limit of $50!), others show that old axiom the more things change the more they stay the same is as true as always. Financial houses made of cards, businesses too big to fail - that do, greedy bastards who want even more, while the 99% don't really play much of a role in this story. Sound familiar?
October 9, 2024
Δυνατό, αλλά μπορούσε να είναι λίγο συντομότερο
July 24, 2024
Kaip ir visos Hailey knygos, ši pirmiausia yra puikiai paruošta. Jei nieko nežinote apie tai, kaip veikia bankai, tai tikrai sužinosite. O visa kita irgi negadina skaitymo: įdomus, šiek tiek trileriškas siužetas, įvairiapusiški herojai ir nemažai prasmingų pamokomų minčių apie žmogiškos prigimties apraiškas versle, ypač apie godumą. Jei patinka garsusis "Oro uostas", tai ir šią verta perskaityti.
June 15, 2011
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This is another gem of a book from Arthur Hailey about Banking and how Banks function. When I read this book, Banks were just boring place for me where you go to put your money or take it out. In his usual style and very well researched book “The Moneychangers” he opened my eyes to functioning of Banks. The story has all the drama and feel of a thriller but at the same time teaches you a lot.
The protagonist of the book is running for the top position at the Bank and has to fight a rival to get there. The story revolves around this fight between two ambitious individuals and takes us into murky politics of power in Banking industry. But the beauty of book for me was not in the main story. There were many sub-plots and details about various functions of Bank which made it more interesting for me. There are two specific things which are still fresh in my mind about this book.
There is a depiction in the story about how a rumour can ruin a Bank if suddenly all the depositors come to the Bank to withdraw the money. The Banking industry works on the basis of taking money from people and then investing it to make more money. If everybody comes to ask their money back at the same time, no Bank would be able to return it and would go bankrupt. Banking works on trust of depositors and if that is lost, Bank is gone. Much later I had read a short story to the similar effect but more about that some other time. In this book, the protagonist saves the Bank by making sure that all the people who turned up to get their money got it, but in reality it will most likely result in bankruptcy.
Another incident is about a teller who is able to keep track of her cash to the last penny while doing all the transactions and how her ability saves her from the accusation of theft.
Overall, a great book. I am able to remember so much even after 20 years. I wish I could remember my text books like that.
This is another gem of a book from Arthur Hailey about Banking and how Banks function. When I read this book, Banks were just boring place for me where you go to put your money or take it out. In his usual style and very well researched book “The Moneychangers” he opened my eyes to functioning of Banks. The story has all the drama and feel of a thriller but at the same time teaches you a lot.
The protagonist of the book is running for the top position at the Bank and has to fight a rival to get there. The story revolves around this fight between two ambitious individuals and takes us into murky politics of power in Banking industry. But the beauty of book for me was not in the main story. There were many sub-plots and details about various functions of Bank which made it more interesting for me. There are two specific things which are still fresh in my mind about this book.
There is a depiction in the story about how a rumour can ruin a Bank if suddenly all the depositors come to the Bank to withdraw the money. The Banking industry works on the basis of taking money from people and then investing it to make more money. If everybody comes to ask their money back at the same time, no Bank would be able to return it and would go bankrupt. Banking works on trust of depositors and if that is lost, Bank is gone. Much later I had read a short story to the similar effect but more about that some other time. In this book, the protagonist saves the Bank by making sure that all the people who turned up to get their money got it, but in reality it will most likely result in bankruptcy.
Another incident is about a teller who is able to keep track of her cash to the last penny while doing all the transactions and how her ability saves her from the accusation of theft.
Overall, a great book. I am able to remember so much even after 20 years. I wish I could remember my text books like that.
November 26, 2019
I am not a Hailey fan, he tends to write overblown pulp trash about industries. This is no different, a 450 page look at the banking industry in the 1970's. In many ways this is typical Hailey. He has a cast of characters so long that it is hard to keep track of them all. They have intersecting story lines, which range from boring to preposterous. Hailey does do something in this book he hadn't done in his previous books that I read (Airport and Wheels), he kept me wondering until the end how he was going to resolve the most important story line. I did find that ending anticlimactic, but he made up for that by rounding out the characters. The protagonist is somewhat of an antagonist just below the surface, and the antagonist has some qualities that would otherwise make him a protagonist. Some interesting parts, but as a whole, it is merely average.
July 29, 2018
Always been in awe of how detailed the inside workings of the industry Arthur Hailey picks as the basis of his fast paced thrillers - this time being the retail banking industry back in the 70s . The politics, the intrigue and the drama - a regular sleaze potboiler around power and greed. Whilst the drama is regular, you do glean a lot of nuggets of info on counterfeiting and the banking system too.
February 23, 2022
Arthur Hailey (1920/2004) se caracterizaba por escribir best sellers basados en una rigurosa investigación. Era tan buena la recreación que hacía de los ámbitos donde transcurren sus novelas, que además de combinar dramatismo, acción y romance, éstas producen la sensación de sumergirte "en el mundo de". Así publicó obras como Hotel (1965); Aeropuerto (1968), tal vez la más conocida gracias a la serie de películas a que dio pie en los '70s; Medicina peligrosa (1984) y Ultimas noticias (1990), entre otras.
En el caso de Traficantes de dinero (1975) el elegido es el mundo de los bancos y las entidades financieras. La novela combina diferentes tramas: el presidente de un banco que abandona su cargo por una enfermedad terminal, desencadenando la lucha de los dos importantes ejecutivos que aspiran a sucederlo; el robo de una suma considerable de dinero por parte de un empleado y la consiguiente investigación y una situación que amenaza con poner en entredicho la confiabilidad del banco, acercándolo a la quiebra, entre otras.
Es tan buena la prosa de Hailey y la forma en que va desarrollando los diferentes conflictos, que el libro te engancha hasta el final, y cuando terminas de leerlo te encuentras pensando: "caramba, nunca me imaginé que el trasfondo de los bancos pudiera ser tan interesante".
Lo recomiendo plenamente.
En el caso de Traficantes de dinero (1975) el elegido es el mundo de los bancos y las entidades financieras. La novela combina diferentes tramas: el presidente de un banco que abandona su cargo por una enfermedad terminal, desencadenando la lucha de los dos importantes ejecutivos que aspiran a sucederlo; el robo de una suma considerable de dinero por parte de un empleado y la consiguiente investigación y una situación que amenaza con poner en entredicho la confiabilidad del banco, acercándolo a la quiebra, entre otras.
Es tan buena la prosa de Hailey y la forma en que va desarrollando los diferentes conflictos, que el libro te engancha hasta el final, y cuando terminas de leerlo te encuentras pensando: "caramba, nunca me imaginé que el trasfondo de los bancos pudiera ser tan interesante".
Lo recomiendo plenamente.
May 16, 2024
This is the third of Authur Hailey's soap opera tales. It uses all the familiar devices employed in the earlier books - a sympathetic central protagonist with equally attractive female love interest struggling against the odds to achieve proletarian definition of success. All this while being thoroughly modern in a 1970s kinda way. The inevitable power struggle intrigues and sexual encounters ensue.
This hackneyed trope is as familiar as any of the the transatlantic washing powder selling we have seen before, yet there's something of the guilty pleasure about them. The cognoscenti scoff and dismiss, but still books are bought in their millions and weekly TV fixes of passion and power remain enduringly popular.
My advice: have your copy delivered in a brown paper bag, cover your paperback on a Tolstoy dust jacket and enjoy.
This hackneyed trope is as familiar as any of the the transatlantic washing powder selling we have seen before, yet there's something of the guilty pleasure about them. The cognoscenti scoff and dismiss, but still books are bought in their millions and weekly TV fixes of passion and power remain enduringly popular.
My advice: have your copy delivered in a brown paper bag, cover your paperback on a Tolstoy dust jacket and enjoy.
May 22, 2020
Ще одна книга Артура Хейлі, яка мені сподобалась. Книга "Банкіри" або " Фальшивомонетчики" книга про життя банку зсередини. Цікаво викладена інформація про рух коштів і чому банки банкрутують. В сюжеті викладено спробу відмиття коштів успішного молодого банкіру і яким життєвим крахом це для нього закінчилось. Деякі факти в книзі були жорстокі, але життя таке яке воно є. І нажаль одні ламають своє життя, а інші грабуючи і нехтуючи правами інших мають в житті все, що забажають.
September 7, 2021
Like I did for his novel Hotel, I very much enjoyed how Hailey was able to delve into banking’s behind-the-scenes. Unfortunately, I found the detailed explanations too numerous and technical, hence the three-star rating. I also found that the characters were not sufficiently developed. I was committed to the storyline but not to the characters. The Moneychangers is a very good read but expect lots of detail about banking.
April 5, 2023
Hooter: A fast paced drama in the world of a retail banking empire
The thing about Arthur Hailey has always been his ability to research an industry and its inner workings and place his fictional drama into that setting whilst giving you the inside view of the world in that industry. My first book had been Airport so my expectations were equally high on this one that deals with retail banking which he does a good job on. From counterfeiting to conflict of interest to regular embezzlement are some of the challenges that are tackled and the protocols followed give you a documented aspect of what is folowed through. The succession battle in corporate lobbying, introduction of new products like ATMs and the urge to not change the status quo and other governance items all mixed up with a heady cocktail of fictional drama and action to keep the story going.
The thing about Arthur Hailey has always been his ability to research an industry and its inner workings and place his fictional drama into that setting whilst giving you the inside view of the world in that industry. My first book had been Airport so my expectations were equally high on this one that deals with retail banking which he does a good job on. From counterfeiting to conflict of interest to regular embezzlement are some of the challenges that are tackled and the protocols followed give you a documented aspect of what is folowed through. The succession battle in corporate lobbying, introduction of new products like ATMs and the urge to not change the status quo and other governance items all mixed up with a heady cocktail of fictional drama and action to keep the story going.
May 25, 2024
Reading this as part of a project related to business fiction. This is a fun page Turner that addresses issues related to corruption in the rush for big profits.
There are a lot of interesting substories that Hailey leaves together, as well as some interesting background on the banking industry.
There are a lot of interesting substories that Hailey leaves together, as well as some interesting background on the banking industry.
July 16, 2025
książka świetna. tłumaczenie masakryczne.
July 18, 2022
This book was released in 1975 but could very well be easily adapted to today. The players may have been different and the technology less sophisticated but greed never goes away and people keep doing the same things to be rich.
April 9, 2024
The CEO of the First Mercantile American Bank is ill and dying. In light of his approaching death, two high ranking Vice Presidents have been groomed to replaced him. Alex Vandervoot is honest and focused on growing the bank, while Roscoe Heyward is suave, skilled in boardroom politics and favors catering more to business than customers.
Vandervoot has a troubled life – his wife is in a psychiatric institute and he has developed a relationship with Margot Bracken, a radical attorney and political activist several years his junior. Heywood is a devout Episcopalian who strives to maintain an air of personal integrity and morality but sacrifices both in to pursue the bank presidency.
As they each battle for the new position, various banking issues are discussed including credit card fraud, inflation, subprime lending and insider trading. Like most Hailey novels readers come to learn much about the subject matter that serves as the setting for the story.
An economic recession hits and the bank which has made a large loan to a dishonest multinational conglomerate falls into default. As a result of the crisis, one of the VPs commits suicide and the other assumes the presidency of the half ruined bank.
Hailey always provides a fascinating read and gives readers a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes of organizations whose operations are not always visible to a busy public. escribed in the context of his stories.
Vandervoot has a troubled life – his wife is in a psychiatric institute and he has developed a relationship with Margot Bracken, a radical attorney and political activist several years his junior. Heywood is a devout Episcopalian who strives to maintain an air of personal integrity and morality but sacrifices both in to pursue the bank presidency.
As they each battle for the new position, various banking issues are discussed including credit card fraud, inflation, subprime lending and insider trading. Like most Hailey novels readers come to learn much about the subject matter that serves as the setting for the story.
An economic recession hits and the bank which has made a large loan to a dishonest multinational conglomerate falls into default. As a result of the crisis, one of the VPs commits suicide and the other assumes the presidency of the half ruined bank.
Hailey always provides a fascinating read and gives readers a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes of organizations whose operations are not always visible to a busy public. escribed in the context of his stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2016
Эта книга оказалось совсем не тем, что я ожидала.
Я думала, что это будет просто описание работы банка и людей, вовлеченных в этот процесс, но я никак не предвидела ТАКОЕ развитие событий. Это было феерично, хотя и чертовски грустно!
В общем, сюжет такой: глава банка умирает и начинается борьба за власть. Есть 2 явных претендента - Алекс и Роско, у каждого из них есть поддержка в Совете Директоров, но как только Роско произносит магическую фразу "увеличение прибыли", как он тут же вырвается вперед, и Алекс с его "поддержкой социальных проектов", уже не так популярен.
Чтобы закрепить успех, Роско предпринимает еще ряд шагов, на каком-то этапе успешных, но потом что-то идет не так. Сможет ли банк остаться на плаву или же лопнет, как мыльный пузырь?
Великолепная, пронзительная история. Не слишком длинная, но в эти страницы автор смог вместит весь спектр эмоций - от восторга и предвкушения скорой победы до отчаяния и полного опустошения. А финал истории был совсем уж неожиданным.
Книга мне очень понравилась, и порадовала неожиданным развитием событий, поэтому 4/5☆.
Я думала, что это будет просто описание работы банка и людей, вовлеченных в этот процесс, но я никак не предвидела ТАКОЕ развитие событий. Это было феерично, хотя и чертовски грустно!
В общем, сюжет такой: глава банка умирает и начинается борьба за власть. Есть 2 явных претендента - Алекс и Роско, у каждого из них есть поддержка в Совете Директоров, но как только Роско произносит магическую фразу "увеличение прибыли", как он тут же вырвается вперед, и Алекс с его "поддержкой социальных проектов", уже не так популярен.
Чтобы закрепить успех, Роско предпринимает еще ряд шагов, на каком-то этапе успешных, но потом что-то идет не так. Сможет ли банк остаться на плаву или же лопнет, как мыльный пузырь?
Великолепная, пронзительная история. Не слишком длинная, но в эти страницы автор смог вместит весь спектр эмоций - от восторга и предвкушения скорой победы до отчаяния и полного опустошения. А финал истории был совсем уж неожиданным.
Книга мне очень понравилась, и порадовала неожиданным развитием событий, поэтому 4/5☆.
October 29, 2018
Reread this after a long time. Actually, I didn't even realize that I had read this earlier, way back in my teens, until a few plot-lines started to appear familiar.
Arthur Hailey is known for his deep research on the topics that he picks up, and then weaving an interesting story around his observations and learning. This one is based on the banking system in 70s. Though quite a few things have changed in how banks and financial system works today, but the core concepts still remain relevant, just as the human factors driving those - greed, ambition, altruism, and personal inner conflicts of morality and rationality.
It was great fun to read and learn many things about the workings of the financial system in general.
Many have complained about the style of prose, but Hailey was a story-teller and not a poet. And his literary style might not be classical, but is not vain either.
Arthur Hailey is known for his deep research on the topics that he picks up, and then weaving an interesting story around his observations and learning. This one is based on the banking system in 70s. Though quite a few things have changed in how banks and financial system works today, but the core concepts still remain relevant, just as the human factors driving those - greed, ambition, altruism, and personal inner conflicts of morality and rationality.
It was great fun to read and learn many things about the workings of the financial system in general.
Many have complained about the style of prose, but Hailey was a story-teller and not a poet. And his literary style might not be classical, but is not vain either.
August 2, 2020
As usual in-depth insight into a particular world. Unfortunately too violent and vicious (prison scenes, mafia scenes) for me to want to read again. Interesting to see the parallels with nowadays that I didn't expect: the repetition of the public not trusting bankers/politicians/bug business for good reasons; the arguments for banks NOT putting profit at all costs as their main aim - this second one only partially being addressed in 2019 when some big business group slightly adapted their overarching aims (more details when I remember). Intriguing Hailey thought the gold standard would return when that seems now to be a lost argument.
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