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Make the financial industry pay for its mistakes. That's…

“Make the financial industry pay for its mistakes. That's the idea behind the best of the Obama administration's reform proposals: If banks issue securities backed by mortgages, say, then require them to hold some of that paper so that they will bear some of the losses.” quote by David Ignatius
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“Make the financial industry pay for its mistakes. That's the idea behind the best of the Obama administration's reform proposals: If banks issue securities backed by mortgages, say, then require them to hold some of that paper so that they will bear some of the losses.”

David Ignatius

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Banks should retain a portion of the risk they create by holding securities they sell, aligning incentives and reducing systemic danger.

In simple terms: Banks keep some of the risk they create.

Key Takeaway

Support policies that require risk retention.

Themes

finance regulation accountability risk management

Mood

critical optimistic

Type

policy analytical

When to use this quote

  • banking
  • mortgage securities
  • investment decisions
  • policy advocacy

Key Concepts

moral hazard principal‑agent problem

Questions to Reflect On

  • Will risk‑retention deter risky lending?
  • How to balance stability with market efficiency?
A Different Perspective

Implementation can be complex and may reduce market liquidity.

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