The misuse of the repo market by Lehman Brothers and MF Global should not prompt hasty regulation proposals, because the vast majority of repo activity is entirely transparent and straightforward.
The Bracken column
The Bracken column is named after Brendan Bracken, the founding editor of The Banker in 1926 and chairman of the modern-day Financial Times from 1945 to 1958.
Latest articles from Bracken
Regulatory change: a key driver for banking sector M&A
March 1, 2012Financial institutions will have to determine how to adapt their businesses to the new regulatory and economic environment, but this means more than simply deleveraging.
Keep a balanced view on Hungary
February 1, 2012The international community should not use the threat of financial ruin to overrule Hungary's democratically elected government.
Rethink needed on bank stress-testing
January 3, 2012With certain banks in the core eurozone states initially passing the European Banking Authority's generic stress-tests but then needing to be saved, surely now is the time to apply more rigorous testing procedures much like those endured by banks in the eurozone periphery countries?
Five principles of financial regulation for the post-crisis world
December 1, 2011As regulators the world over attempt to come up with rules to prevent a repeat of the global financial crisis, the Reserve Bank of India has adhered to five basic principles of financial regulation that all central banks would do well to follow.
Multilatinas herald a new age of Latin American integration
November 1, 2011Latin America's up-and-coming 'multilatinas' appear to be succeeding where many have previously failed: in achieving a form of unification across the region. However, if the financial sector is to emulate its business counterpart, the tricky task of reaching a broad regulatory consensus will be essential.
A solution to the debt problem? A licence to print money
October 3, 2011As developed economies throughout the world continue to struggle with spiraling debt problems, it is time the rethink the model of money creation.
An open letter to the minister of finance of Ruritania
September 1, 2011Pathological procrastination by sovereign debtors in acknowledging the severity of their problem and commencing the necessary workout process can make the ultimate resolution of the crisis far more costly for all concerned.
Improving creditors’ rights in Russia
August 1, 2011Russian legislation contains mechanisms allowing the recovery of debts, but experience suggests that the reality can be very different from the theory.
Fund managers must serve their clients better
June 30, 2011Fund managers should use technology and a leaner business model to provide investors with an honest, transparent and fair fee structure.