This Ex-Hedge Fund Analyst Made Four Insider Trades. Then He Wore A Wire & Became An FBI Informant
Forbes Business
by ForbesTV, Forbes StaffFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Tom Hardin, a former hedge fund analyst who seemed to have it all, made four insider trades before being caught and forced by the FBI to cooperate as an informant during the financial crisis. His story, detailed in his book *Wired on Wall Street*, reveals how he went from a successful career at a prominent firm to wearing a wire for the FBI, helping build over 20 cases in Operation Perfect Hedge—the largest insider trading case in decades. Hardin’s journey highlights the ethical dilemmas and high-pressure environment of Wall Street, where cutting corners became a tempting way to survive.
Hardin grew up in a middle-class family, attended the University of Pennsylvania, and worked his way up in finance until he felt compelled to make unethical decisions under mounting pressure. After being caught making insider trades in 2008, during the height of the global financial crisis, the FBI gave him an ultimatum: cooperate or face jail time. He agreed to wear a wire dozens of times, providing critical evidence that helped expose over 80 criminal cases tied to insider trading.
Hardin’s story sheds light on the lengths individuals may go to in high-stakes finance and the consequences of crossing ethical lines. His cooperation with the FBI not only brought justice but also forced him to confront his actions and rebuild his life post-scandal. His account offers a unique perspective on Wall Street’s culture of greed and the risks of moral compromise, making it essential reading for anyone interested in business ethics, finance, or true crime.
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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/25/2026