Shari Arison

Arison was questioned under caution in 2018 in an Israeli investigation into alleged bribes paid abroad by Shikun & Binui, a group she controlled. Investigators subsequently recommended proceedings against several individuals, but prosecutors closed Arison's personal case in 2021 because of insufficient evidence that she knew about the alleged practices.

In 2020, Bank Hapoalim and its Swiss subsidiary reached settlements with US authorities totalling approximately 874 million dollars after admitting to helping US taxpayers conceal offshore assets and income between 2002 and 2014. Arison was Bank Hapoalim's controlling shareholder for most of that period, until her control ended in 2018.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Also in April 2020, Bank Hapoalim and its Swiss subsidiary agreed to pay more than 30 million dollars to settle a US investigation into the laundering of more than 20 million dollars in bribes and kickbacks paid to football officials. Some of the admitted conduct occurred while Arison still controlled the bank.

In 2009, the Bank of Israel demanded the departure of Bank Hapoalim chairman Danny Dankner, citing serious governance failures. Arison publicly supported him, challenged the regulator's lack of explanation and submitted a complaint to the State Comptroller concerning Governor Stanley Fischer and the Supervisor of Banks.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

During the launch of her book in 2009, Arison said that she had been receiving "messages" and visions for years and explained that one such message had influenced her decision not to sell Shikun & Binui. These statements prompted ridicule and media questions about the role of spiritual beliefs in the governance of major assets.

State of the evidence

Allegations

Attribution

Personally implicated

In late 2002, Bank Hapoalim announced 900 redundancies, representing approximately 9% of its workforce. Shari Arison, the controlling shareholder, became one of the main public figures in the dispute and faced demonstrations and criticism over the contrast between the group's profits and the job cuts.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated