Fed's Barr warns bank deregulation is cutting GSIB capital by $60 billion

Fed Governor Michael S. Barr said recent U.S. moves on capital, supervision and consumer protection are the biggest banking deregulation since the Global Financial Crisis and could sow vulnerabilities that trigger future instability.

Summary

Federal Reserve Governor Michael S. Barr warned that recent U.S. banking rule changes and proposals are weakening safeguards that support financial stability and could create hidden vulnerabilities that contribute to a future financial crisis. Speaking at American University in Washington, D.C., Barr said the cumulative changes would reduce required capital at the eight GSIB firms by 6%, or about $60 billion less loss-absorbing capital, even as those banks hold around 60% of banking sector assets.

Terms & Concepts
  • GSIB: Globally systemically important bank.
  • Basel III: International bank capital and liquidity standards.
  • high-quality liquid assets: Assets banks can quickly sell for cash.