The Bank

A group of primary school children sit in a 1977 classroom as a representative from the Victoria State Central Bank, Mr. Johnson, explains saving. He offers them the chance to open their first checking account and warns that if they save for 25 years they could accumulate around $727,000. The scene sets money's long-term promise as a motivator for future choices.

In the present, Centa Bank's board of directors orders CEO Simon O'Reily to find a way to increase profits. He discovers the work of mathematician Jim Doyle and his BTS.E software, which allegedly predicts stock market trends through fractal geometry. Doyle is hired and given top hardware, and he quickly befriends Vincent while beginning to work with Michelle Roberts.

Doyle forms a professional bond with Vincent, who advised O'Reily to hire him, and they work together on the bank's high-stakes scheme. He then begins a romantic relationship with his colleague Michelle Roberts, who is critical of the bank's activities. Their alliance shifts the dynamics of the project and threatens the insider deals.

Diane and Wayne Davis, who took out a loan in foreign currency, become insolvent as market troubles mount. They receive an eviction notice and hire lawyer Stephen O'Connor to challenge the bank's transparency about loan risks. The stress escalates when their son is found dead after a meeting with the eviction deliverer.

O'Reily invites Jim and Michelle to a party at his house, where Michelle insults the landlord and questions Jim's past. O'Reily pressures Jim to prove his loyalty by falsely claiming he was present as an intern during the Davises' loan counseling. The lie helps derail the Davises' lawsuit and deepens the rift between Jim, Michelle, and the bank.

Michelle locates Jim's past in his hometown and learns that his real name is Paul Jackson; the bank had cut off his father's credit, which contributed to his father's suicide. The revelation shocks Michelle and triggers her decision to investigate Jim further. The personal history reveals the darker underpinnings of the financial game.

A watcher employed by O'Reily keeps tabs on Michelle and uncovers the truth about Jim. He warns O'Reily that the plan may be exposed, raising the stakes of the impending stock sale. O'Reily contemplates taking action to prevent the disclosure.

Wayne Davis breaks into O'Reily's house with intent to threaten or kill, as he realizes the crucial call could undermine the plan. O'Reily offers him two million dollars if he lets them make the call, hoping to secure the market manipulation. Wayne delays, then destroys the house's power box to stop the call and escapes.

Stock prices initially perform as expected but then rise unexpectedly, undermining the bank's strategy. The situation spirals as the bank declares bankruptcy after losing about $50 billion. Jim leaves the country soon after, severing ties to the scheme.

Jim departs the country and meets Michelle one last time, explaining that part of the money is lost and part redistributed. He asks her to follow him, but she refuses and chooses independence over him. The scene marks the personal end of their relationship.

The Davises check their bank statement at an ATM and discover a balance of $727,000, echoing the opening credits and Jim's prediction. They attempt to clarify the windfall at a neighboring bank branch, only to find many branches closed by order of O'Reily. Faced with the moral choice, they decide to keep the money.