The company had not been immune from regulatory challenge previously. In 2003, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) settled charges against Lehman Brothers that had arisen when Lehman’s research analysts gave supposedly indepdent investment advice on companies in which Lehman had an interest. Along with nine other brokerage firms, Lehman reached a settlement with the SEC, the New York Stock Exchange, the New York Attorney General, and other state regulator; Lehman agreed to pay US$50 million to settle the conflicts of interest case: one half to state regulators; the other half into a fund for the benefit of customers. In addition, Lehman paid US$25 million over five years to provide the firm’s clients with indepdent reseach, and US$55 million for invertor education.