The Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission (FCIC) was established in 2010 to investigate the causes of the financial crisis of 2007–2008.[1] The Commission,[2] led by Phil Angelides, held public hearings, gathered testimony from hundreds, and released its report in January 2011.
The report concluded that "the collapse of the housing bubble—fueled by low interest rates, easy and available credit, scant regulation, and toxic mortgages—that was the spark that ignited" events leading to the financial crisis.
The commission was explicit in its concerns about insurance giant American International Group, financial giants Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers, and mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, each of which the government brought under consideration for financial rescue.[3]