As global markets toppled during the 2008 financial crisis, the Canadian market for non-bank asset-backed commercial paper (ABCP) seemed on the verge of collapsing. Back from the Brink explains the origins of the Canadian ABCP crisis and how an ambitious market restructuring prevented a $32 billion market from falling into chaos.

Paul Halpern is a professor emeritus of finance at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.
Cakebread Caroline :

Caroline Cakebread is the editor of Canadian Investment Review, writes widely on institutional and personal finance, and provides strategic and educational consulting services to institutional investors. She holds a PhD in English and writes and lectures on Shakespeare and contemporary women’s writing.
Nicholls Christopher C. :

Christopher C. Nicholls is the W. Geoff Beattie Chair in Corporate Law at the Faculty of Law at Western University.
Puri Poonam :

Poonam Puri is a professor at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.

“Back from the Brink is a must read book for all who are interested in understanding how the Canadian financial system functions in a time of stress. It tells the story in colourful detail both of the origin of the ABCP crisis that emerged in August 2007, and of the uniquely Canadian process which culminated in a resolution of the crisis in January 2009. The authors have done an excellent job of describing and explaining in a coherent fashion the activities of individuals and institutions involved in managing the crisis and eventually arriving at a creative resolution. This story is fascinating for all of us who were engaged in some way in Canadian financial markets during this period. Perhaps even more importantly, this story provides important lessons for authorities who must craft rules which shape the future evolution of financial markets and for market participants who must manage risks involved in the issue and purchase of highly complex structured financial instruments in the years ahead.”

Brendan Calder, former Chair, Coventree Inc.:

“I was in a Coventree board meeting the morning of Monday 13 August 2007 when we noticed the trading room was quiet, very quiet. The trading in ABCP had stopped. Back from the Brink is an engaging read that thoroughly explains what happened then and since and the implications for the future.”

Henri-Paul Rousseau, Caisse CEO (Sept. 2002–May 2008):

"In August of 2007 Canadian financial institutions faced a sudden crisis in the ABCP market that had to be confronted by those affected rapidly and effectively. Professor Halpern and his co-authors have written an outstanding book that outlines the successful restructuring that occurred, which preserved value for investors over time, thereby preventing more serious consequences for Canada on the eve of the worldwide financial crisis that began in 2008. The lessons to be learned by everyone involved are well described and will be of lasting benefit for future generations of decision-makers.”