In Brief: Lehman Reveals Levels of Credit Exposure

In an effort to dispel rumors about its financial health, Lehman Brothers on Monday disclosed its exposure to hedge funds, emerging markets, and commercial mortgage-backed securities.

The country's fourth-largest investment bank said it has total credit exposure to hedge funds of $447 million, collateralized by $583 million, primarily in cash, U.S. Treasuries, and U.S. agency notes. Lehman said that it has $72 million in uncollateralized exposure, and that its largest hedge fund credit is $10 million.

The firm's gross mark-to-market exposure to Long-Term Capital Management LP is $32 million, which is secured by $41 million of U.S. Treasuries.

The firm said it has $305 million in emerging markets exposure, including $157 million in Latin American countries, $99 million in Europe, and $49 million in Asia.

The firm said it has securitized - taken off its balance sheet - $6.5 billion of mortgages this year, including an August offering of $2.25 billion.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER