| Description |
xv, 398 pages ; 25 cm |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (pages 229-361) and index. |
| Contents |
The emperors of banking have no clothes -- Part I. Borrowing, banking, and risk. How borrowing magnifes risk -- The dark side of borrowing -- Is it really "a wonderful life"? -- Banking dominos -- Part II. The case for more bank equity. What can be done? -- Is equity expensive? -- Paid to gamble -- Sweet subsidies -- Must banks borrow so much? -- Part III. Moving forward. If not now, when? -- The politics of banking -- Other people's money. |
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What is wrong with today's banking system? The past few years have shown that risks in banking can impose significant costs on the economy. Many claim, however, that a safer banking system would require sacrificing lending and economic growth. The Bankers' New Clothes examines this claim and the narratives used by bankers, politicians, and regulators to rationalize the lack of reform, exposing them as invalid. Admati and Hellwig argue we can have a safer and healthier banking system without sacrificing any of the benefits of the system, and at essentially no cost to society. They show that banks are as fragile as they are not because they must be, but because they want to be--and they get away with it. Whereas this situation benefits bankers, it distorts the economy and exposes the public to unnecessary risks. Weak regulation and ineffective enforcement allowed the buildup of risks that ushered in the financial crisis of 2007-2009. Much can be done to create a better system and prevent crises. Yet the lessons from the crisis have not been learned. Admati and Hellwig seek to engage the broader public in the debate by cutting through the jargon of banking, clearing the fog of confusion, and presenting the issues in simple and accessible terms. The Bankers' New Clothes calls for ambitious reform and outlines specific and highly beneficial steps that can be taken immediately.-- Provided by publisher. |
| Subject |
Banks and banking.
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Financial institutions -- Government policy.
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Financial crises -- Prevention.
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| Added Author |
Hellwig, Martin F.
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| ISBN |
9780691156842 hardback alkaline paper |
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0691156840 hardback alkaline paper |
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