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Fault-lines Quote by Raghuram Rajan

“Our goal should be to make decision makers internalize the full consequences of their decisions, rather than prevent them from making decisions altogether [...] But we tend to reform under the delusion that the regulated institutions and the markets they operate in are static and passive, and that…” quote by Raghuram Rajan
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““Our goal should be to make decision makers internalize the full consequences of their decisions, rather than prevent them from making decisions altogether [...] But we tend to reform under the delusion that the regulated institutions and the markets they operate in are static and passive, and that the regulatory environment will not vary with the cycle. Ironically, faith in draconian regulation is strongest at the bottom of the cycle, when there is little need for participants to be regulated. By contrast, the misconception that markets will govern themselves is most widespread at the top of the cycle, at the point of maximum danger to the system. We need to acknowledge these differences and enact cycle-proof regulation, for a regulation set against the cycle will not stand. To have a better chance of creating stability throughout the cycle--of being cycle-proof--new regulations should be comprehensive, nondiscretionary, contingent, and cost-effective.””

Raghuram Rajan

About This Quote

Source Speech: Remarks at Financial Stability Forum, 2012

Regulators must design rules that work across economic cycles, not just in static conditions.

In simple terms: Create rules that stay effective in all market phases.

Key Takeaway

Design cycle‑proof, comprehensive regulation.

Themes

regulation financial stability market cycles policy design

Mood

analytical concerned

Type

policy economic

When to use this quote

  • central banking
  • policy making
  • risk assessment
  • legislative drafting

Key Concepts

systemic risk discretionary vs nondiscretionary contingent regulation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can regulators balance flexibility with consistency?
  • What mechanisms ensure rules adapt to cycles?
A Different Perspective

Static rules fail when markets change; enforcement can be costly.

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