Whilst the global financial crisis has been written about by many authors, this book traces the pattern of crises that have impacted the US investment banking industry to disclose how the banking culture was established at the birth of the United States and culminated in the crisis. The culture, behaviour of individuals, and regulatory bodies all played a part. The book explores the humble beginnings of the once-respected firm of Lehmann Brothers. It also provides an example of how the mighty have fallen and offers the industry a cautionary tale.