From riches to even more riches
The Allen Stanford story, from Texas to Antigua ... and back
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Born in Texas. His grandfather, Lodis, had founded Stanford Financial in 1932 and with James, Allen's father, he made a fortune during the 1970s and 80s buying up Houston real estate at the bottom of the market and selling when prices recovered.
Allen takes over the family business on the retirement of his father. He expands the firm from a 500-employee company, opening offices in Latin America and the Caribbean and diversifying into wealth management.
Leaves Montserrat after setting up his bank there five years earlier and sets up his business on nearby Antigua.
Becomes a citizen of Antigua and acquires dual nationality. He is later knighted on the recommendation of the Antiguan government. In the decade he invests heavily in philanthropic ventures on the island. Prime minister Lester Bird says that "the Stanford Group has invested almost EC$160 million in Antigua".
Strenuously denies accusations by the then-leader of the opposition of Antigua that he bribed ministers, saying: "I have never in my life bribed or done anything illegal or unethical in my business endeavours."
Builds his own cricket ground in Antigua and announces he will fund a pan-Caribbean Twenty20 tournament. Little interest is shown until the level of his investment emerges - US$28 million. He also sets up a group of so-called "legends" as an advisory board to oversee the project.
The first Stanford 20/20 tournament is held in July and August. Guyana win the final and the competition is widely regarded as a success.
Antigua become the first professional Stanford team. He also announces an expansion of the Stanford 20/20 tournament, this time with the backing of the WICB who agree a five-year deal to back the event.
In January, Trinidad & Tobago win the second Stanford 20/20.
As rumours grow about the state of Stanford's financial empire, he announces a scaling back of his investment. Five days later the Securities and Exchange Commission instigates moves against him, alleging "a fraud of shocking magnitude".
Martin Williamson is executive editor of Cricinfo and managing editor of ESPN Digital Media in Europe, the Middle East and Africa