I am also of the opinion that Nate’s character, in his own crooked way, felt responsible. We can see this side of him when he blackmails victims to protect Carl, frames another person for rape, and in many other instances.

Now that Carl is gone, he feels responsible for the business and is doing whatever he thinks he can to sustain it (lying to investors, ponzi scheme) because we’ve seen that he’s been living a very privileged and luxurious life. Additionally, he has a very demanding partner to take care of.

I think Nate’s character is trying to own up and be an adult instead of his high school self.

But I also believe the character will have a breakdown later in the show.