People around the world find British accents charming. But for one man, it proved charming enough to fool China’s VIPs into thinking he was a member of one of the world’s wealthiest families. Well, that and his fancy surname.
China’s business elites were seduced by Oliver Rothschild from the beginning. It was his self-described business acumen and his British accent that first won them over. But carrying the name 'Rothschild' goes a long way – the Rothschilds are, after all, a British banking dynasty and one of the world's wealthiest families.
With a name like that, it’s no surprise that this distant relative immediately garnered attention in China. When the 64-year-old man from North London started playing the 'Rothschild card' he found himself being courted by the Reignwood Group (owners of the prestigious Wentworth Golf Club) and the president of Tsinghua University, The Telegraph reports.
It wasn’t long before Rothschild began living the high life in China. He toured the country, making appearances and speaking at press conferences, where he gave advice to Chinese businesses about what they could learn from his family’s history and success.
Tsinghua University described Rothschild as “a core member of the prominent Rothschild family, a global financial investor, an entrepreneurial strategist and a philanthropist." The Reignwood Group unabashedly capitalized on Rothschild by using his likeness in publicity photos.
But it turns out Oliver isn't quite who they thought he was. He is actually a member of the less prestigious 'Finchley side' of the family. Rothschild blew his own cover after loudly exclaiming their relationship, and it was then that people started to realize that this Rothschild was an impostor.
According to the real Rothschilds, because Oliver Rothschild is not a descendant of the male line of Mayer Amschel Rothschild he has no involvement in the family businesses whatsoever.
Now that Rothschild’s true identity is out in the open Tsinghua University plans to strengthen its background checks in the future.
That’s probably a good idea.
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