--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I made a mistake in presuming that the…" description: "\"I made a mistake in presuming that the self-interests of organisations, specifically banks and others, were such that they were best capable of protect..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffb/alan-greenspan-1834_capable_i-made-a-mistake-in-presuming-that-the-s_2726795.png" --- # I made a mistake in presuming that the self-interests of… ![“I made a mistake in presuming that the self-interests of organisations, specifically banks and others, were such that they were best capable of protecting their own shareholders and their equity in the firms,” quote by Alan Greenspan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffb/alan-greenspan-1834_capable_i-made-a-mistake-in-presuming-that-the-s_2726795.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffb/alan-greenspan-1834_capable_i-made-a-mistake-in-presuming-that-the-s_2726795.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ffb/alan-greenspan-1834_capable_i-made-a-mistake-in-presuming-that-the-s_2726795.png) > “I made a mistake in presuming that the self-interests of organisations, specifically banks and others, were such that they were best capable of protecting their own shareholders and their equity in the firms,” [Alan Greenspan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-greenspan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote critiques the assumption that organizations, especially banks, inherently act in shareholders' best interests. **In simple terms:** Banks may not always protect shareholders effectively. Key Takeaway Question the belief that self‑interest guarantees good governance. Themes finance corporate governance shareholder rights Mood critical concerned Type analysis cautionary When to use this quote - investment decisions - board oversight - regulatory review - shareholder meetings Key Concepts agency theory principal‑agent problem risk management Questions to Reflect On - What mechanisms ensure banks act responsibly? - How can shareholders better protect their interests? 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