Big Quote by Jerome Powell
“It is worth noting that 'too big to fail' is not simply about size. A big institution is 'too big' when there is an expectation that government will do whatever it takes to rescue that institution from failure, thus bestowing an effective risk premium subsidy. Reforms to end 'too big to fail' must address the causes of this expectation.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Financial Stability, Federal Reserve, 2023
Large institutions become “too big to fail” because markets expect government bailouts, creating a hidden subsidy that encourages risk.
In simple terms: Size alone isn’t the issue; it’s the bailout expectation.
Key Takeaway
Address bailout expectations, not just size.
Themes
financial stability
government policy
systemic risk
regulation
subsidy
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
policy
economic
When to use this quote
- banking reform
- legislative action
- central bank policy
- risk assessment
Key Concepts
moral hazard
risk premium
public finance
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policymakers reduce bailout expectations without harming credit markets?
- What incentives can align banks’ risk with market discipline?
A Different Perspective
Reforms may be politically difficult and face industry resistance.
