Online currencies like the Bitcoin are one day likely to alter government policy, just as the bond market did in the 1990s
Financial Regulation
The Post Office’s Biggest Problem Isn’t Saturday Delivery — It’s Congress
It may seem like the United States Postal Service is unwilling to adapt to a world of declining mail volume and increased digital communication. But the real obstacle in the way of true reform aren’t the folks running the postal …
Why Derivatives May Be the Biggest Risk for the Global Economy
Since the recession, the value of derivatives outstanding has grown, and they remain very risky with the potential for large, unpredictable losses.
Are Banks Bluffing About the Danger of Banking Regulation?
Four and a half years after the passage of TARP, one thing is abundantly clear: The American public really, really hates bank bailouts. And yet, nearly three years after the passage of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill, it …
Why Can’t This Economy Really Get Going?
A host of factors outside of the government’s control will likely hold back the economy for at least another year.
Lessons in Socialism: How Cuba Can Become Relevant Again
An entrepreneurial wave is emerging in Havana that, along with immigration reform in the U.S., is giving Cuba renewed relevance while giving Americans a close look at the dangers of extreme wealth redistribution.
Justice Sues S&P; Is It Time to Rethink the Role of Ratings Agencies?
Most of the time, court cases are manna for journalists. The politicians and corporations we cover aren’t in the habit of dishing out information they don’t want the public to know. But along comes a lawsuit, and the parties are …
Has the Banking Industry Really Been Fixed?
The banking sector still faces big challenges, but greater transparency will boost investor confidence and also encourage banks to manage risk better internally.
What (If Anything) Can Fix the SEC?
When President Obama nominated former U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White to be the next Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the reaction was generally positive. White will be the first prosecutor to head the …
Lots of Goodies Were Stuffed into the Fiscal Cliff Deal
A host of special interests, from filmmakers to rum distillers, got tax breaks in last week’s fiscal cliff deal.
LIBOR Scandal: Yep, It’s as Bad as We Thought
Banking’s Really Bad Day
Four years on from the financial crisis, new banking scandals still seem to break out every few months. But this week has been particularly bad for the industry. There was HSBC’s $1.9 billion settlement with the U.S. Justice Department over laundering money for Latin American drug cartels and helping countries like Iran, Cuba, Sudan, …