Treasury’s Reverse Auctions: Much Is At Stake

Under the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the Treasury plans to use reverse auctions to purchase troubled assets and restore liquidity.
Challenges arise from the complexity and diversity of the distressed assets, and the risk that only the worst of these assets may be purchased. This article discusses factors the Treasury and its auction manager need to consider in designing the auction, as well as steps bidders need to take to prepare to participate.