Lehman execs 'ignored early warning signs' of crisis

clock

Senior executives at Lehman Brothers knew of the risks which led to the investment bank's collapse, and chose to ignore warning signs as early as 2007, according to new documents.

Papers released by law firm Jenner & Block LLP show the reckless attitude of the bank’s management in the period leading up to its failure in September 2008, which sent shockwaves through the market and triggered a financial crisis. According to Bloomberg’s analysis of the documents, a presentation given in a Lehmans board meeting in September 2007 included a clear summary of the brewing crisis. “The initial tremors were felt at the end of 2006,” the board was told, “when the poor loan performance of sub- prime borrowers began to be a cause for concern in the marketplace. This was evi...

To continue reading this article...

Join Investment Week for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, analysis and opinion from the investment industry, including the Sustainable Hub covering fund news from the ESG space
  • Get ahead of regulatory and technological changes affecting fund management
  • Important and breaking news stories selected by the editors delivered straight to your inbox each day
  • Weekly members-only newsletter with exclusive opinion pieces from leading industry experts
  • Be the first to hear about our extensive events schedule and awards programmes

Join now

 

Already an Investment Week
member?

Login

More on Economics

Early Powell departure could be an 'unexpected gift' for EMs

Early Powell departure could be an 'unexpected gift' for EMs

Trump claims he will replace chair sooner

Eve Maddock-Jones
clock 01 July 2025 • 3 min read
BoE's Andrew Bailey: Pick-up in inflation makes outlook uncertain

BoE's Andrew Bailey: Pick-up in inflation makes outlook uncertain

UK inflation at 3.4%

clock 27 June 2025 • 2 min read
Jerome Powell warns of long term inflation if Trump settles on higher tariffs indefinitely

Jerome Powell warns of long term inflation if Trump settles on higher tariffs indefinitely

Policies' economic impacts ‘uncertain’

Eve Maddock-Jones
clock 25 June 2025 • 3 min read
Trustpilot