Using the hidden five-eights account , Leeson began to trade aggressively in futures and options on the Singapore International Monetary Exchange . His decisions routinely resulted in losses of substantial sums , and he used money entrusted to the bank by subsidiaries for use in their own accounts . He falsified trading records in the bank 's computer systems , and used money intended for margin payments on other trading . As a result , he appeared to be making substantial profits . However , his luck ran out when the Kobe earthquake sent the Asian financial markets — and with them , Leeson 's investments — into a tailspin . Leeson bet on a rapid recovery by the Nikkei , which failed to materialise
Kobe earthquake
Great Hanshin earthquake
Barings Bank