We need more regulation, but we don’t want it
Article Date: May 11 2009A survey of financial services professionals reveals mixed feelings about the role of regulation in preventing further damage to the economy.
While more than two-thirds (68 per cent) of respondents believe that tighter regulation could have prevented the global economic crisis, a majority (52 per cent) say that such a move would impede a recovery.
Most of the 197 professionals questioned by City law firm Norton Rose state that global regulation of financial institutions is not practical, or in other words, that such a solution would not allow nations to remain financially autonomous.
James Bateson, head of financial institutions at Norton Rose, says, ‘The issue that must be addressed is whether it was a failure of the regulation itself or the failure to effectively enforce [that caused the global financial crisis].’
The survey suggests limited support for state intervention in banks, with 75 per cent saying such moves have been effective, but 84 per cent claiming not enough is being done to rid the financial system of toxic assets.
There is also a widespread recognition that remuneration practices are flawed, with 83 per cent believing more focus on pay structures is required as part of risk management.
