The Core of Predation: The Predatory Core—Finding the Neurobiological Center of Financial Predators and Preys

Abstract

This paper proposes a theoretical view of the financial predator and prey's brain, with the hypothalamus being the core cerebral structure driving financial predatory behaviors. This model will hopefully help opening doors to possible better management as it appears that the number of financial scandals that have their source in the malevolent behavior of a selected few keeps rising. Indeed, neuromarketing is an emerging trend but lots of work remains to be done. This paper suggests that future research could be oriented toward the understanding of the predatory core in human behavior, more specifically referred to as the black box of consumers.

Keywords:

• Perceived predation
• Consolidated model of financial predation
• Financial predators
• Neurobiological
• Black box

Notes

1. A typical time line to threat response is as follows: within seconds, corticotropin-releasing hormones (CRH) is secreted by the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus into the pituitary anterior lobe, which then releases ACTH into the blood. Within 3–5 minutes, the adrenal glands produce glucocorticoids with a peak at 15–30 minutes. Feedback will eventually see return to baseline levels within an hour (Woody and Szechtman [2011]).

2. Again, the olfactory bulb provides the closest way to gauge the presence of a predator (kilometers around in the case of some animals).

3. Note by the author: most likely, the ventromedial nucleus of the anterior-posterior hypothalamus.

4. Mesly [2010] has shown that predatory acts follow a five-step sequence.

5. Such as searching for water and drinking—our comment.

6. Perceived predation is to human what perceived risk is to products.

7. We put in italic.

8. Unlike all other brain areas (except for the third ventricula, the pineal gland and the cerebral aqueduct which are not bi-dimensional), the pituitary gland does not have a left and right side; it has however anterior and posterior structures.

9. Many clients of Vincent Lacroix, a Québec financier who was found guilty of a $130 million fraud in the 2000s, admitted they had warning signs about the danger involved in doing business with his firm but decided to stay with him, probably not to pay the exit fees involved in a transfer of funds (a mere $300 that could have saved thousands of dollars in the end).

10. The formula implies a dynamic system: “The future states of a dynamic system are a function of its present state, as modified by its own activities…” (Lewis [2005], p. 173).

11. For a dyadic relationship to last and be functional, one must feel about 30% more predator than prey: he must not be in a position where he feels vulnerable (predator value ≤ prey value on the Mesly [2010] scale. The 1.3 constant is referred to as kom.

12. With the third ventricula, the pineal gland and the fusiform aqueduc being at the center of it because they have no left/rigthor or anterior/posterior divisions.

13. More mathematical foundations to explain this predatory core can be provided separately.