Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas), a former financial shark who was imprisoned for insurance fraud and money laundering 23 years ago, stands before the prison gates a changed and perhaps even better person. His prospects are not at all rosy, not only his former colleagues but also his daughter Winnie (Carey Mulligan), who has deliberately severed all ties with him, look down on him. A certain bridge to his daughter could be her fiancé Jacob (Shia LaBeouf), who is strikingly reminiscent of Charlie Sheen's character from the first film. He is also a young financial predator ready to grab a chance and not let it go.

He makes fabulous money in the company of his mentor Louis Zabel (Frank Langella), but a series of false accusations of the company's huge debts lead to a deep decline in its shares. Jacob hits rock bottom, and he goes to a lecture by his potential father-in-law, in which the reformed sinner predicts the coming of the global financial crisis. After the lecture, Jacob seeks out Gekko and makes a special deal with him. Gekko uses his old contacts to help him find out who and why destroyed his employer's company. And in return, Jake clears the way for him to his daughter. The key question, however, is: Can Gordon Gekko really be trusted?