Tarnished: Stanford used high-profile events such as Stanford 20/20 cricket tournament in Antigua to dupe investors Billionaire financier Sir Allen Stanford manipulated his links
with the British royal family, sports stars, politicians and celebrities to convince investors that he was a trustworthy businessman, it has been revealed. The flamboyant Texan boss is at the centre of a multi-billion dollar U.S. fraud charge for allegedly selling $8 billion in certificates of deposit with improbably high interest rates from his Stanford International Bank in Antigua. In publicity material, Stanford Financial Group (SFG) used famous names such as English footballer Michael Owen, Prince Edward, Duchess of York and U2 singer Bono to give Stanford impeccable credentials. Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, has also been pictured at Standford’s tournaments with his executives. In 2007, Stanford signed up Fijian golfer Vijay Singh to feature in company logo representations, make personal appearances and be included in Stanford branding initiatives, it was reported in The Observer. English striker Michael Owen was also signed up to a similar deal as a ‘global ambassador for Stanford’s expanding worldwide presence’.
Other famous faces used by Stanford include George W. Bush, Prince Charles and Prince Edward.