At least 20 of the 30 biggest hedge funds boosted their positions in financial institutions in the last quarter, a sign that Wall Street is ready to bet on more risky sectors in the hope of longer-term rewards.

The push into financials indicates fund managers including Steven Cohen and John Paulson -- closely watched as barometers of risk -- have shifted from routine merger arbitrage plays to directional bets with more reward potential.

More coverage analyzing the Smart Money:

Paulson's AngloGold bet points to inflation

Betting on a takeover of CF Industries Holdings

The demise of Lehman Brothers a year ago sparked a collapse in financial market confidence and set of a series of reactions that have spread hardship into the four corners of the globe.

Reuters News has charted the key events and their impact in "Times of Crisis" -- a major new multimedia production on Reuters.com. (See it here.)

We'd like to add the experiences of Reuters readers. So, if you or your family have been affected by the events of the past year then use the comments section below to share your story.