UK crisis fears at post-Lehman high – BoE survey

Fears of a financial crisis hitting the UK are at their highest level since the collapse of Lehman Brothers, Bank of England research has revealed.

The Bank's Systemic Risk Survey of 68 market participants, showed 54% of respondents think the risk of a "high impact event" occurring - such as a UK government default or failure of a financial institution - is at it greatest since the fall of the US investment bank in 2008.

The biannual survey, which included hedge funds, banks, and asset managers, was conducted in the month leading up to 21 October.

Sovereign risk and the threat of an economic downturn pose the biggest danger to the financial system, according to 76% of respondents.

In another glum finding, the survey suggests confidence in the financial stability of the UK for the next three years had dropped to its lowest level since the second half of 2009.

The survey is part of the Bank's wider efforts to identify risks in the financial system at an early stage.