big infusion of cash from the IPO might have been able to cover up the deficits, and the inevitable "cleaning things up to do the IPO" work could have bought them time to un-fuck a lot of the riskiest accounts.

then the IPO hits, you cash out, take your exit, and drink your mint julip or mojoto in Bermuda while the whole thing burns down 2 years later. whole lotta "not my problem" at that point, and every one would think you're a genius.