Credit Suisse Group is anticipating a slew of lawsuits from independent investors against Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) and has put aside $450m, which will contribute towards $790m (€742m) net loss for the investment bank in the fourth quarter and a $1.2bn full-year loss.

The pre-tax charge, which equates to about $293m after tax, reflects potential litigation against CSFB over analyst independence, stock allocation practises in the IPO market and Enron, the energy trader that collapsed last year. The charge also reflects 'other related litigation', the bank said on Tuesday.