Customer Quote by Anonymous
““SINCE the financial crisis, it has become commonplace to argue that banks should be run as utilities, not casinos. At least in terms of their financial performance, that seems to be happening. In 2006, the eight American banks that regulators have since labelled “globally systemically important” generated casino-like profits, with returns on equity of 30% on average, according to Oliver Wyman, a consultancy. They are currently managing less than 11%, and there is worse to come: the Federal Reserve recently announced plans to oblige them to raise extra capital. By one calculation that would reduce their return on equity to little over 8%, other things being equal—a lower return than America’s water companies make. And other things are unlikely to be equal. American regulators continue to biff big banks with blistering fines. Then there is the requirement that banks produce “living wills”, explaining how they could be wound down if disaster strikes: the regulators have rejected every single “will” they have received so far as too flimsy. Making banks easier to close down will probably leave them even less profitable.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Financial Regulation Commentary, 2023
Banks are increasingly treated like utilities, reducing profitability and increasing regulatory constraints, which may limit their risk-taking and returns.
In simple terms: Banks are being regulated more like utilities, lowering profits.
Recognize the trade‑off between stability and profitability.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- banking sector
- investment decisions
- policy analysis
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How should banks balance stability with profitability?
- What are the long‑term impacts of treating banks as utilities?
Higher regulation may stifle innovation and reduce market competitiveness.