Customer Quote by Michael Lewis
““In early July, Morgan Stanley received its first wake-up call. It came from Greg Lippmann and his bosses at Deutsche Bank, who, in a conference call, told Howie Hubler and his bosses that the $4 billion in credit default swaps Hubler had sold Deutsche Bank’s CDO desk six months earlier had moved in Deutsche Bank’s favor. Could Morgan Stanley please wire $1.2 billion to Deutsche Bank by the end of the day? Or, as Lippmann actually put it—according to someone who heard the exchange—Dude, you owe us one point two billion.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Big Short by Michael Lewis, 2010
A warning about massive exposure to credit risk was delivered, forcing a desperate cash request.
In simple terms: A huge financial risk prompted a frantic plea for money.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and manage hidden risks early.
Themes
finance
risk
crisis
communication
urgency
Mood
tense
urgent
cautious
Type
financial
historical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- investment banking
- risk assessment
- trading desks
- corporate finance
- regulatory oversight
Key Concepts
credit default swaps
CDO
exposure
liquidity
market dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify hidden systemic risks?
- What safeguards can prevent last‑minute cash scrambles?
A Different Perspective
The plea may have been a negotiation tactic rather than a genuine emergency.
![“Crucial decisions are made, today as thousands of years ago, in terms of the intuitive guesses and preferences of a few men in positions of authority...[it is] quite likely that the fate of entire societies may be sealed by a series of avoidable mistakes committed by their leaders.” quote by Michael Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a59/michael-lewis-705_decision-making_crucial-decisions-are-made-today-as-thou_16888.jpg)
