Goldman, Dresdner, the hedge fund and the barrier: The weeklyFiX
It was therefore not a major surprise when spot EUR/SEK moved towards a significant barrier that was known to be in place at 9.1500 on July 5. In a research note sent out the day before, Lehman Brothers advised its clients: "There is a big barrier at 9.15 EUR/SEK that still is defended. Once broken we could head lower quickly and aim for 9.1180."
Market sources say that this particular option was initiated by Drawbridge, part of the US-listed Fortress Investments Group. Drawbridge has declined to comment on what it believes subsequently went on, although it is believed to have threatened legal action. When it took out the position, Drawbridge was using Dresdner Kleinwort as its prime broker. By the time of expiry, it had switched to Deutsche Bank, which then had to assume the role of barrier agent and decide whether the level had been breached or not.
Several banks were tasked with defending the level, including Goldman Sachs. These are believed to have been bidding 9.1515. There were several aggressive sellers trying to knock it out, including Dresdner; like everyone else involved in this tale, Dresdner declined to comment.