Breaking the Bank: One Trader, 50 Billion

On January 24, 2008, French bank Société Générale announces a sudden loss of €4.9 billion, leading to an investigation of trader Jérôme Kerviel.

When the bank discovers €50 billion in hidden trades, a specialist is brought in to sell the positions and divert a market crash.

As charges loom, Kerviel speaks out against the system he claims encouraged his risky trades, using the media frenzy to rally public opinion.

In the years following his trial, Kerviel's case reveals deep flaws in the global financial system as further testimonies come to light.