MF Global hit by rogue trading

LONDON & BERMUDA - Another rogue trading scandal has taken place at futures broker MF Global. A US-based broker at the firm, headquarted in Bermuda, exceeded his personal account ceiling before losing $141.5 million on unauthorised wheat futures. Meanwhile, two London-based equity traders at investment bank Lehman Brothers have been suspended after irregularities were found in their valuations of complex equity derivatives.

Lehman Bros has said its investigation is not fraud-based and it is working with the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in connection with its internal investigation.

MF Global blamed the fraud on a failure of its retail order computer systems, allowing the broker to take on the excessive positions. The firm said it discovered the trade soon after it had taken place, in addition to shoring up risk controls and hiring an external consultancy to investigate the incident. MF has since fired the trader involved, although the business will have to cover the loss - 6% of its capital.

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@risk.net or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.risk.net/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.

Most read articles loading...

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Risk.net account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here