Confidence in the industry was also shaken when many companies chose to engage in so-called off-balance-sheet financing.

"And it has jeopardized its off-balance-sheet financing, since every landlord will be reluctant to lay out money to improve state space now."

These changes will increase transparency within the rules and prevent a loophole that allows for off-balance-sheet financing through leases.

He also said the company would follow guidelines similar to Citigroup's regarding off-balance-sheet financings.

But the focus has shifted to a series of transactions, some involving off-balance-sheet financing.

During the last decade, thousands of companies in many industries have used off-balance-sheet financing to power their expansions.

The most aggressive users of off-balance-sheet financing are, not surprisingly, financial services businesses like banks and brokerage firms.

Consumers have also contributed to the growth in off-balance-sheet financing.

It is time to introduce the Treasury to the delights of off-balance-sheet financing.

Enron made use of off-balance-sheet financings to raise cash without the loans appearing on its books.