Managing in Troubled Times Case Study

Fall of Lehman Brothers: US Sub Prime Crisis

OR

Abstract:
The US sub-prime mortgage crisis and the consequent credit crunch caused the collapse of an investment bank and a Wall Street giant, Lehman Brothers, which filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy on 15 September 2008. It was recorded as the biggest bankruptcy ever in the US, based on assets of $613 billion. The fall of this giant investment bank with a history spanning 158 years had impacted on global financial markets. The case analyses the reasons for the fall of Lehman's and the lessons to be learnt from its downfall. It also discusses the risk management systems adopted by the US investment banks in general.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To gain insights into the US sub-prime mortgage crisis and its impact on investment banks.
• To understand the underlying reasons for the fall of Lehman Brothers.
• To comprehend the significance of risk management systems in investment banking.

Keywords : Chapter 11 bankruptcy; Sub-prime crisis; Mortgage crisis; US recession; Lehman Brothers; Richard Fuld; 15 September 2008; Investment banking; Financial services

Contents:

• Lehman Brothers- A profile of Business Growth and Risk Management Strategy
• Power Struggle
• The 9/11 Aftermath
• Impact of Sub prime crisis
• End of the road for Lehman Brothers