Lehman Brothers is working on plans to announce early next week that it is raising $5bn-$6bn in fresh capital as the bank discloses a large second quarter loss, people briefed on the matter said.

The earnings announcement, which had been expected for the week of June 16, is likely to be brought forward to address persistent rumours in the marketplace about Lehman’s financial condition. Lehman declined to comment on the timing of its earnings announcement or any capital raising plans.