In the aftermath of the recent financial crisis, there have been calls to increase both regulatory scrutiny and capital requirements in the banking industry. Many would argue that, prior to the crisis, banks were required to hold less capital than the markets would require absent a government safety net. In the U.S., the push for reform led to the passage of the Dodd–Frank Act in 2010. The Basel Committee responded with a proposal to increase capital and liquidity requirements. As new regulations are being implemented, many are calling for additional capital in the industry and further capital surcharges for individual banks in relation to their systemic importance. Some argue that the new regulations are excessive, imposing burdens that exceed the benefits from the additional capital. Others argue that the additional capital is necessary, will not be expensive for the industry and will have little impact on the ability of banks to intermediate.
At this year’s conference, we will debate the issues associated with proposals to increase bank capital. Are banks undercapitalized in the current environment? What are the implications of increasing bank capital for bank lending and bank risk-taking? How will these developments affect the competitiveness of the industry? This is a topic that will only increase in importance over the coming months.
The major component of the conference begins Thursday morning. To address the questions we have raised this year, and related issues, we will bring together industry leaders, scholars and regulatory authorities.
Please note that the Wednesday sessions of the conference are directed toward a more technical research audience and will be of interest to academics and financial research economists.
Conference Highlights
- Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
- Martin J. Gruenberg, Acting Chairman, U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
- Eugene Ludwig, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Promontory Financial Group LLC
- Panel of Industry Experts Addressing Bank Capital - How much Is Enough?
- Panel Discussing Mortgage Financing beyond the GSEs
- Panel Discussing Macroprudential Regulatory Policy
- Panel of Experts Discussing Bank Stress Tests
Information will be updated on this website as it becomes available. Receptions and luncheons will be provided. For additional conference information, contact Sandy Schneider at (312) 322-8203 or via e-mail or Ella Dukes at (312) 322-5757 or e-mail.
