To understand the 2008 financial crisis, Neil Fligstein looks to the business models of the big US banks. He shows how firms got hooked on mortgages--originating them, securitizing them, selling those securities, and even buying the same securities. In time their addiction nearly collapsed the...

"To understand the 2008 financial crisis, Neil Fligstein looks to the business models of the big US banks. He shows how firms got hooked on mortgages-originating them, securitizing them, selling those securities, and even buying the same securities. In time their addiction nearly collapsed the...

The modern deal -- KKR, Sungard and the private equity phenomenon -- Accredited home lenders and the attack of the MAC -- United Rentals, Cerberus, and the private equity implosion -- Dubai ports, Merrill Lynch, and the sovereign wealth fund problem -- Bear Stearns and the moral hazard principle...