Order a copy of the treasurytoday Banking Crisis Special 2008

Never has treasury been more ‘centre stage’ in business.  There are few treasurers who have not been interrogated by their CFO, their CEO and/or their board about what is going on. 

We have talked to many of our readers about what they have been doing in reaction to the credit crisis and the recession that is now upon us.  We have also spoken extensively with experienced commercial bankers and economic commentators to get their advice, observations and recommendations.  In this special supplement we report on what we have heard and provide a guide to what treasurers are or should be doing at this time.  

Firstly, we publish a timeline showing how the events since the collapse of Lehman Brothers have unfolded day by day.  Then we take a detailed look at the areas of treasury likely to be affected by the ongoing crisis and pass on the advice and suggestions that industry experts have given us.  We continue with a look at the economic background to the current crisis.  Starting with barter and the origins of the present monetary system, we track developments during the 20th century and explore how the current crisis came about.  We also look at how and why the central banks use interest rates to tackle inflation and consider the approach that governments are now likely to take.

Finally we look at what happened in the Great Depression, starting with the events leading up to the Wall Street Crash, the consequences and the regulatory response.  We also look at the 2008 crisis and consider why some commentators think it is different this time.