The Origins of Ethical Failures ─ Lessons for Leaders

In 2001, Dennis Gentilin became a member of a FX trading desk at one of Australiaa€?s largest banks, the National Australia Bank. In the years that followed, his youthful exuberance and idealism was to be replaced by seduction and uncertainty, as the desk became involved in a trading scandal that resulted in the dismissal of the CEO, the upheaval of the board of directors, significant financial loss, and incalculable reputational damage. It was in this environment that the true meaning of business ethics was revealed to Gentilin. In this ground breaking book, Gentilin draws on both his experience on the FX trading desk and the burgeoning literature in the various disciplines of psychology to provide a very unique insight into the origins of ethical failures. In doing so, he highlights the shortcomings associated with traditional approaches used to explain and address ethical failures, and also shows us how regardless of our underlying character, we are all susceptible to unethical conduct. Most importantly, Gentilin provides guidance for leaders on the steps they can take to build institutions that are more resilient. The intellectual depth Gentilin provides coupled with his own real life reflections makes this book a must read for senior leaders, regulators, consultants and practitioners alike. In addition to educating his readers, Gentilina€?s ultimate goal in publishing this book is to make a small contribution to the push we have seen in recent times that looks to place ethics front and centre as the key priority in the financial services industry.

In his 15 years in financial services, Gentilin has been an advocate for ethical practice in the industry. His time in financial markets was defined by his very client cantered and values based approach to his work. More recently, he has been central to the development and deployment of a framework that has transformed how performance is measured and rewarded for the top 200 leaders at the National Australia Bank. Gentilin has written the occasional article for The Ethics Centre and the Banking Finance Oath (BFO). His most recent contribution was titled a€?The BFO is the first step in a long journeya€?. He has also appeared as a guest lecturer at the Executive MBA programme at his alma mater Monash University, located in Melbourne, Australia.