A few weeks ago, the anti-fraud world lost a giant. James “Jim” Ratley, President Emeritus of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), passed away at the age of 75. His departure leaves behind not just an organization he helped build, but a global community of professionals shaped by his wisdom, generosity, and humor.

At Auspicium, we count ourselves among the fortunate who were influenced not only by Jim Ratley’s professional leadership, but also by his personal kindness. This tribute is not just a farewell—it is a thank you.

The Architect of a Movement

When historians write about the modern fight against fraud, Jim Ratley’s name will not be a footnote—it will be a cornerstone. From his beginnings with the Dallas Police Department, through his early work with Wells & Associates, to his decades of leadership with the ACFE, Jim helped elevate fraud examination from a niche specialty to a recognized, respected global profession.

He built training programs when there were none. He stood shoulder to shoulder with ACFE founder Dr. Joseph Wells, encouraging him when the concept of the organization was still fragile. As Dr. Wells himself said, “Without Jim’s encouragement and total belief in the concept, the founding of the ACFE might not have ever happened.”

That legacy alone would be enough. But Jim gave more. Much more.

The Teacher Who Made Time

I had the privilege of experiencing Jim not just as a leader on a stage, but as a coach in the quiet moments. He took time—his most precious commodity—to help me become a better presenter. He didn’t just give tips about slides or stage presence; he guided me to think about connection, about clarity, about storytelling.

Those lessons shaped me deeply. In fact, some of his coaching found its way into my book Teach, Train, Transform The Superhero Way. That’s how impactful his guidance was—too powerful to keep to myself.

Jim never carried himself as if he was “too busy” or “too important.” Instead, he saw people. He listened. He gave. And he left you not just better at your craft, but better in your confidence.

A Compliment I’ll Never Forget

One memory stays bright in my mind. At a conference years ago, Jim glanced at the agenda and realized he was scheduled to present immediately after me. He shook his head with a grin and said something like, “Well, that’s a tough act to follow.”

It was half joke, half truth, but entirely Jim—humble enough to admit the challenge, kind enough to lift me up with words of praise.

Coming from someone of his stature, that moment has stayed with me. It was a reminder that true greatness doesn’t diminish others; it multiplies them.

A Thank You, From Us All

So today, on behalf of the Auspicium family, I want to say thank you, Jim.

Thank you for your unwavering fight against fraud.
Thank you for your vision in shaping the ACFE into a global force for integrity.
Thank you for being an extraordinary teacher, mentor, and colleague.
And thank you, most of all, for believing in people—for seeing us, for encouraging us, and for reminding us that the work of fighting fraud is about protecting trust and dignity as much as numbers and systems.

Your legacy is not only in the CFEs you helped certify or the conferences you keynoted. It lives in every fraud fighter who stands a little taller, speaks a little clearer, and carries the torch a little brighter because of you.

Carrying the Torch Forward

The work of fraud examination is never done. But because of Jim Ratley, we do it better. We do it with sharper tools, stronger voices, and greater courage.

Here at Auspicium, we commit to honoring that legacy—not just by continuing the fight against fraud, but by coaching, encouraging, and lifting others as Jim did. That is how we keep his light burning.

The world feels a little emptier without him. But the lessons, the laughter, and the encouragement he gave us will remain.

Thank you, Jim. From all of us at Auspicium, you will never be forgotten.