Jordan Belfort

Jordan Belfort is an American former stockbroker, author, and motivational speaker best known as the founder of Stratton Oakmont and as the real-life figure behind *The Wolf of Wall Street*.

Jordan Belfort is an American former stockbroker, author, and motivational speaker best known as the founder of Stratton Oakmont and as the real-life figure behind *The Wolf of Wall Street*. He pleaded guilty to securities fraud and money laundering in 1999 and served 22 months in federal prison. Belfort later published memoirs about his life and became a public speaker and sales trainer. His story has global reach, including in Canada, where there is interest in securities fraud and investor protection.

Early life and career

Jordan Belfort was born in New York City in 1962. He entered the brokerage industry and became known for building a high-pressure sales operation that eventually formed Stratton Oakmont.

Stratton Oakmont and legal case

Stratton Oakmont was linked to securities fraud and money laundering, leading to Belfort’s guilty plea in 1999. He was sentenced to four years but served 22 months in federal prison after cooperating with investigators.

Books and film adaptation

Belfort wrote memoirs about his life, including *The Wolf of Wall Street*. His story was adapted into the 2013 film of the same name, directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Later career

After his release, Belfort became active as an author, motivational speaker, and sales trainer. He has continued to promote business and sales seminars and remains a public figure.