Michael Schwartz

Michael Schwartz is the editor of Richmond BizSense, and covers banking, lawsuits, finance, M&A and golf. He can be reached at [email protected] or 804-855-1037.

Ponzi scheme’s Richmond ties

The attorney working to recover funds from a $28 million Ponzi scheme says there are people and entities in Richmond and that may have profited from the alleged fraud.

Richmond man named in $28M Ponzi scheme

A Richmond man allegedly helped run a $28 million Ponzi scheme that was uncovered in June, according to two regulatory agencies and civil suits filed in Florida.

Will investors love LucyPhone?

A local startup wants to rescue consumers from the pain of hearing the dreaded words “a representative will assist you shortly.” And the two brothers behind it are trying to raise $1 million in VC.

“We don’t want the land; We don’t want the houses.”

Two local banks are getting more pro-active to unload the property they have taken in foreclosure – property they don’t really want to own. And they’re willing to offer favorable financing to buyers.

Body blow for PE fund

A Richmond-based private equity fund lost more than half its value when a Florida bank hit the skids. But the fund’s managers and at least one investor remain hopeful that other investments will more than recoup those losses.

Trading Day: Inside the SEC filings for 8.5.10

Commonwealth Biotechnology has a new CEO, while the controller and principal accounting officer at Xenith Bank is retiring. Plus quarterly earnings from Genworth, Brink’s, Insmed, New Market and Tredegar.