Buffett rides to rescue of bond insurers

Warren Buffett has made an offer to three large municipal bond insurers to reinsure $800 billion in municipal bonds.
FEB 12, 2008
Warren Buffett, the world's third richest person, has made an offer to three large municipal bond insurers to reinsure $800 billion in municipal bonds, effectively giving them a AAA credit rating. In an interview on CNBC television, Mr. Buffett said his Omaha, Neb.-based Berkshire Hathaway Inc. holding company made the offer to reinsure bond issuers Ambac Financial Group Inc. of New York, Armonk, N.Y.-based MBIA Inc. and New York-based Financial Guaranty Insurance Co. Each of those insurers is in danger of losing their AAA rating due to problems with subprime mortgages and other loans. Mr. Buffett said that the offer is designed to make Berkshire Hathaway money. Additionally, he is not offering to take on liability for riskier investments insured by the three companies, such as CDOs. Mr. Buffett said that he sent the offer to the bond insurers last week, and that he is giving them 30 days to find a better deal. He said one firm rejected his offer, and that he was still waiting to hear from the other two. However, Mr. Buffett did not say which company rejected the offer.

Latest News

Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale
Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale

RIA aggregator adds $4.8 billion in client assets across seven states as demand grows for alternatives to traditional succession models.

Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human
Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

Shareholder sues FS KKR Capital board, alleges NAV and dividend cover-up
Shareholder sues FS KKR Capital board, alleges NAV and dividend cover-up

Shareholder targets FS KKR Capital's directors over alleged portfolio valuation and dividend missteps.

UBS loses $1.2 million arbitration claim linked to variable annuities and margin
UBS loses $1.2 million arbitration claim linked to variable annuities and margin

UBS has a history of costly litigation stemming from the sale of volatile investment products.

'We are monitoring the situation,' SEC says of private funds
'We are monitoring the situation,' SEC says of private funds

New director David Woodcock puts firms on notice over fees, conflicts, and liquidity risk as private credit shows signs of stress.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline