Door opened for legal action against Lehman Brothers
The door has been opened for legal action against Lehman Brothers Australia, including action by New South Wales Councils and others that lost money in products promoted by the group.
The Federal Court has found that a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA), which had prevented such legal action by the councils and other parties, was not valid. The DOCA had prevented the councils and others from pursuing claims against various Lehman entities both in Australia and overseas, as well as preventing them from pursuing payment under various insurance policies, according to a statement from the group funding the litigation, IMF Australia.
“IMF will now fund those councils and other parties in litigation to recover monies lost when they invested in collateralised debt obligations arranged, issued and promoted by those Lehman entities,” the group’s statement to the Australian Securities Exchange said.
Recommended for you
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority has reported an 18 per cent increase in investment and advice complaints received in the financial year 2025, rebounding from the previous year’s 26 per cent dip.
As reports flow in of investors lining up to buy gold at Sydney’s ABC Bullion store this week, two financial advisers have cautioned against succumbing to the hype as gold prices hit shaky ground.
After three weeks of struggling gains, this week has marked a return to strong growth for adviser numbers, in addition to three new licensees commencing.
ASIC has banned a Melbourne-based financial adviser who gave inappropriate advice to his clients including false and misleading Statements of Advice.

