UPDATE 1-Bank of America CEO sees losses peaking in 3rd qtr

(New throughout; adds NEW YORK to dateline)

NEW YORK, June 11 (Reuters) - Bank of America Corp (BAC.N)Chief Executive Ken Lewis on Wednesday said while the crisis in financial markets is in its later stages, loan losses and write-offs will continue to rise.

"We have a ways to go. We see the end of that peaking in the third quarter, in terms of charge-offs and delinquencies. So it's going to play out over several more quarters," Lewis said at a Wall Street Journal conference.

Lewis also reaffirmed his commitment to the Countrywide Financial Corp CFC.N acquisition, saying it was an important strategic move and would remain financially attractive even after deducting legal and credit costs. And while criticism of the deal has been strong, Lewis said it has not been enough to prompt him to walk away.

The big bank is also enjoying one of its best investment- banking quarters ever, Lewis said, noting he regrets an earlier comment that suggested he was tired of the capital markets business and the losses it has generated. Lewis expressed his support for a slimmer, more focused investment-banking unit. (Editing by Maureen Bavdek)