More from the Author

• Case | HBS Case Collection | 2013 (Revised from original 2013 version)

  Barclays and the LIBOR Scandal

  Clayton S. Rose and Aldo Sesia

  In June of 2012, Barclays plc admitted that it had manipulated LIBOR—a benchmark interest rate that was fundamental to the operation of international financial markets and that was the basis for trillions of dollars of financial transactions. Between 2005 and 2009 Barclays, one of the world's largest and most important banks, manipulated LIBOR to gain profits and/or limit losses from derivative trades. In addition, between 2007 and 2009 the firm had made dishonestly low LIBOR submission rates to dampen market speculation and negative media comments about the firm's viability during the financial crisis. In settling with U.K. and U.S. regulators the firm agreed to pay $450 million in fines. Within a few days of the settlement, Barclays' CEO, Robert Diamond, had resigned under pressure from British regulators. Diamond blamed a small number of employees for the derivative trading related LIBOR rate violations and termed their actions as "reprehensible." As for rigging LIBOR rates to limit market and media speculation of Barclays' financial viability, Diamond denied any personal wrongdoing, and argued, that if anything, Barclays was more honest in its LIBOR submissions than other banks—questioning how banks that were so troubled as to later be partly nationalized could appear to borrow at a lower rate than Barclays. This case explains why LIBOR was an essential part of the global financial market, the mechanism used to establish the rate, and what Barclays did wrong. The case allows for an examination of: i) the consequences of violating the trust of market participants, ii) cultural and leadership flaws at Barclays; iii) the challenge of effectively competing in a market where systemic, and widely understood, corruption is taking place, iv) the complicity of regulators in perpetuating a corrupt system; v) what might, or might not, be effective remedies for the systemic flaws in LIBOR.

  Keywords: financial systems; financial services; ethics; corruption; regulation; culture; leadership; general management; Banking Industry; Financial Services Industry; United Kingdom;

  Citation:

  Rose, Clayton S., and Aldo Sesia. "Barclays and the LIBOR Scandal." Harvard Business School Case 313-075, May 2013. (Revised from original January 2013 version.)

  CiteView DetailsPurchase

  Related

• Teaching Note | HBS Case Collection | 2013

  Mutti Spa

  Jose B. Alvarez, Carin-Isabel Knoop, Aldo Sesia and Mary Shelman

  Keywords: Agribusiness; brands and branding; food; Brands and Branding; Food and Beverage Industry; Italy;

  Citation:

  Alvarez, Jose B., Carin-Isabel Knoop, Aldo Sesia, and Mary Shelman. "Mutti Spa." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 513-069, May 2013.

  CiteView DetailsPurchase

  Related

• Case | HBS Case Collection | 2013 (Revised from original 2011 version)

  Kroll Bond Rating Agency

  Bo Becker

  The established credit raters were criticized for inflating the mortgage credit bubble that imploded in 2008. A new rating agency, KBRA, is considering how to capitalize on the opportunity this presents and how to enter the industry. A small group of managers have to decide on a business model, how to meet hiring and funding needs, and what types of ratings to start with: municipal, corporate, or structured. Where are the needs for new ratings stronger? How can investors be convinced to use the new ratings? How can KBRA compete with Fitch, Moody's, and S&P?

  Keywords: Financial Instruments; Financial Management; Financial Services Industry;

  Citation:

  Becker, Bo. "Kroll Bond Rating Agency." Harvard Business School Case 212-034, April 2013. (Revised from original October 2011 version.)

  CiteView DetailsPurchase

  Related