The Bank that Lived a Little is a captivating and thoroughly researched account of the rise and fall of the investment bank Barings. Written by Philip Augar, a former investment banker and financial journalist, the book traces the history of the bank from its founding in 1762 to its collapse in 1995, offering a detailed and nuanced view of the challenges that Barings faced as it tried to adapt to a rapidly changing financial landscape.


One of the great strengths of the book is its focus on the human element of the story. Augar does an excellent job of bringing the various players to life, from the ambitious young trader Nick Leeson, who was ultimately responsible for the bank's demise, to the senior executives who struggled to navigate the changing financial landscape. This makes the book a particularly engaging read, as we see firsthand the ways in which individual actions can have far-reaching consequences.

In addition to its focus on the human element, The Bank that Lived a Little also provides a wealth of detail about the financial and regulatory issues that faced Barings in the late 20th century. Augar does an excellent job of explaining the complex financial instruments and strategies that the bank was using, and how these contributed to its eventual collapse. The book also offers valuable insights into the ways in which the financial industry has evolved over time, and the ongoing challenges faced by traditional investment banks.

Overall, I would highly recommend The Bank that Lived a Little to anyone interested in the history of finance or the inner workings of the financial industry. It is a thought-provoking and highly informative read that offers valuable insights into one of the most spectacular failures in the history of banking. Whether you are a seasoned financial professional or simply someone who is interested in learning more about the world of finance, this is a book that you will not want to miss.