header-logo header-logo

08 July 2010 / Anthony Connerty
Issue: 7425 / Categories: Features , Commercial
printer mail-detail

Lehman lessons

Anthony Connerty reports on how ADR has helped deal with the fallout from the collapse of Lehman Brothers

Lehman Brothers, a Wall Street institution that could trace its origins back over 150 years, declared itself insolvent by filing for Ch 11 protection against its creditors in the early hours of Monday, 15 September, 2008.

It was to be the biggest bankruptcy in US history. President Bush would later sign an emergency order providing government insurance to the $3.5trn that was tied up in money market funds. The Lehman collapse affected not only the US: it triggered a global financial crisis.

What led to the collapse of institutions like Lehman Brothers?

Breach of a classic rule of banking

The traditional UK building society takes in deposits from investors and uses those deposits to lend out money to house purchasers, taking a mortgage on the property to secure the money loaned. Care is taken in valuing the property to be purchased and in checking out the borrower: are the borrower’s circumstances—job/wages/commitments, and so on—such as to indicate

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

NLJ Career Profile: Daniel Burbeary, Michelman Robinson

NLJ Career Profile: Daniel Burbeary, Michelman Robinson

Daniel Burbeary, office managing partner of Michelman Robinson, discusses launching in London, the power of the law, and what the kitchen can teach us about litigating

Sidley—Jeremy Trinder

Sidley—Jeremy Trinder

Global finance group strengthened by returning partner in London

Joelson—Jennifer Mansoor

Joelson—Jennifer Mansoor

West End firm strengthens employment and immigration team with partner hire

NEWS
The controversial Courts and Tribunals Bill has passed its second reading by 304 votes to 203, despite concerted opposition from the legal profession
The presumption of parental involvement is to be abolished, the Lord Chancellor David Lammy has confirmed
A highly experienced chartered legal executive has been prevented from representing her client in financial remedies proceedings, in a case that highlights the continued fallout from Mazur
Plans to commandeer 50%-75% of the interest on lawyers’ client accounts to fund the justice system overlook the cost and administrative burden of this on small and medium law firms, CILEX has warned
Lawyers have been asked for their views on proposals to change the penalties for assaulting a police officer
back-to-top-scroll