Is Bernard Madoff A-List?
No — Bernard Madoff is currently ranked F tier — a public figure with minimal cultural presence.
Reached A-list in 1990
Chairman of the Nasdaq
Lost A-list status in 2008
Dropped to F tier — Ponzi Scheme Collapses
Ranking Timeline
Starts Investment Firm
Founds Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC.
Building Stock Market Fame
Gains recognition in the stock market for innovative trading strategies.
Chairman of the Nasdaq
Serves as the chairman of the Nasdaq stock exchange.
Ponzi Scheme Expansion
Ponzi scheme grows to massive proportions, attracting more investors.
Financial Crisis Impact
Financial crisis puts pressure on the Ponzi scheme's sustainability.
Ponzi Scheme Collapses
Scheme collapses, exposing Madoff's fraud and causing immense financial harm.
Sentenced to Prison
Sentenced to 150 years in prison for orchestrating the Ponzi scheme.
Death in Prison
Madoff dies in prison, leaving behind a legacy of financial ruin and deceit.
Infamous Legacy
Remains a symbol of financial fraud and the dangers of unchecked greed.
Last updated: February 25, 2026