The top 25 US originators of subprime mortgages – the risky assets that sparked the global financial crisis – spent almost $370m (£246m) in Washington over the past decade on lobbying and campaign donations as they tried to ward off tighter regulation of their industry, an investigation has shown.

The study, which will be released today by the Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit investigative journalism organisation, is likely to strengthen public calls for much tougher financial regulation in the US.

Financial Times