80: Mormon Church Guilty of Securities Fraud

80: Mormon Church Guilty of Securities Fraud

Author: Mormon Stories Podcast July 31, 2026 Duration: 2:55:39

In Episode 80 of our LDS Discussions series, Julia, Kolby, and Nemo the Mormon join together for a deep dive into one of the most significant financial controversies in modern Latter-day Saint history: Ensign Peak Advisors and the SEC’s investigation into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

The discussion begins by examining what Ensign Peak Advisors is, why the Church created an enormous investment reserve, and whether maintaining such a fund is inherently problematic. From there, the panel walks through the timeline leading up to the 2019 whistleblower revelations and the 2023 SEC Order, exploring the Church's filing practices, the creation of 13 shell companies, and the legal findings that concluded the Church intentionally obscured the size of its investment portfolio. 

Along the way, we analyze statements from Church leaders including Roger Clarke, Christopher Waddell, Elder Ballard, Elder Packer, Joseph F. Smith, Lorenzo Snow, and others, comparing modern financial practices with historical teachings on tithing. We also discuss the evolution of tithing slips, the Church’s growing investment portfolio, estimates of annual tithing revenue, David Nielsen’s whistleblower allegations, and the ethical implications of the Church’s financial secrecy. 

Finally, the panel examines the SEC’s findings in detail, asking difficult questions about honesty, accountability, transparency, and whether a church that teaches integrity should be held to the same legal and ethical standards it expects of its members. 

This episode provides one of the most comprehensive examinations of the Ensign Peak controversy, combining historical documents, SEC records, Church statements, and primary sources to better understand what happened –and why it matters. 

If you enjoy these in-depth historical analyses, please like, subscribe, and share this episode. Your support helps us continue producing thoroughly researched content exploring the history and truth claims of Mormonism.


Show Notes

YouTube


Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!

Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:


Our Platforms:


Contact us:
MormonStories@gmail.com
PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117


Social Media:


Hosted by the Mormon Stories Podcast, LDS Discussions-Mormon Truth Claims Examined offers a dedicated space for deep, methodical exploration of foundational narratives and historical doctrines within the Latter-day Saint tradition. This isn't about quick takes or surface-level debate. Instead, each episode commits to a slow, careful examination of specific truth claims, prioritizing a thoughtful and objective analysis over polemics. You'll hear detailed discussions that delve into historical documents, theological evolution, and the complex interplay between faith and history, all approached with a sincere intent to understand. The conversations within this podcast are built on research and a genuine desire for clarity, providing listeners with a comprehensive perspective often absent from simpler narratives. If you're someone, whether inside, outside, or simply curious about the LDS faith, who values nuance and evidence-based dialogue, this series serves as a unique resource. It fosters an environment where challenging questions are met with serious consideration, making it a distinctly substantive entry in the landscape of religion and spirituality podcasts. The aim is to equip you with context and depth, allowing for more informed personal reflection on matters that are deeply significant to many.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

LDS Discussions - Mormon Truth Claims Examined
Podcast Episodes
41: Where did Joseph get his ideas? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:37
Join John, Nemo, and Mike in a captivating episode as they unravel the intricate tapestry of influences that shaped the founder of Mormonism, Joseph Smith. From the unique doctrines of Mormonism to the enigmatic Book of…
40: Mormon Patriarchal Blessings | Revelations Pt. 6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:30:15
Discover the truth behind Mormon Patriarchal Blessings in this eye-opening interview with hosts Mike, Nemo, and John. From reflections on their own blessings to the harmful effects of this mechanism of control over membe…
39: The Problems with Mormon Personal Revelation | Revelations Pt. 5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:31
Mike, Nemo, and John discuss the problems with personal revelation.LDS Discussions essay on personal revelation Episode Show Notes_________________________LDS Discussions is made possible by generous donors!Help us conti…
38: Problematic Revelations After Joseph Smith | Revelations Pt. 4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:42:19
In this engaging interview, Mike from LDS Discussions, Nemo the Mormon, and John Dehlin review the failed prophecies of Mormonism's founder, Joseph. They start by discussing what the Bible says about failed prophecies an…
37: Joseph's Failed Prophecies | Revelations Pt. 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:13:59
In this engaging interview, Mike from LDS Discussions, Nemo the Mormon, and John Dehlin review the failed prophecies of Mormonism's founder, Joseph. They start by discussing what the Bible says about failed prophecies an…
36: Problematic Patterns | Revelations Pt. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:20:16
Today we identify and analyze four problematic patterns in Joseph Smith's "revelations": 1) Using revelations to convince others to submit to his requests, 2) Using revelations to get out of a jam, 3) Changing revelation…
35: Joseph Smith's Backdated Prophecies | Revelations Pt. 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:24:20
Radio Free Mormon joins the usual crew (Mike, John & Nemo) as they discuss evidence for prophecies that appear to have been backdated after the events of the supposed prophecy already happened.LDS Discussion Essay on Bac…
34: Overview of Joseph Smith's Translations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:07:05
In this episode we recap all the different areas where Joseph Smith claims to have translated an ancient source and we analyze his work and compare it against modern scholars and experts in the field to see how he did.Co…
33: The Kinderhook Plates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:15:39
Did Joseph Smith have another shot at translating ancient scripture, or is it just rumor? Mike and John take a look at the Kinderhook Plates. What were they? Did Joseph Smith try to translate them, and what was the resul…