Lehman probe lays blame on 'accounting gimmick'-papers

Katrina Lloyd
clock

A one-year investigation into the collapse of Lehman Brothers has found evidence top executives including Dick Fuld approved misleading financial statements.

They failed to disclose the use of an accounting device, "Repo 105", which allowed them to hold $50bn off its balance sheet in Q1 and Q2 of 2008, reports the Financial Times. However, the report also laid the blame for the bank's collapse in September 2008 on other participants in the crisis including auditors Ernst & Young, which it says failed to properly challenge inadequate disclosures in the firm's results. The 2,200 page report also found evidence JPMorgan Chase and Citi Group may have contributed to the bank's collapse by demanding collateral in the run-up to its failure. Ac...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Roger Brosch: Advice should also mean investing in your memory bank

Roger Brosch: Advice should also mean investing in your memory bank

Financial advice is never about the money itself

Roger Brosch
clock 27 August 2026 • 3 min read
Advice JVs: Why professional services tie-ups are moving beyond referrals

Advice JVs: Why professional services tie-ups are moving beyond referrals

Firms look to joint brand relationships

Isabel Baxter
clock 27 August 2026 • 6 min read
The banks are back: What does this mean for advisers?

The banks are back: What does this mean for advisers?

Banks ‘uniquely positioned’ to provide advice to mass market

Sophia Panayi
clock 24 August 2026 • 6 min read