Thursday, August 14, 2008

Article in Portfolio magazine on British banking

I haven't written much on UK banking - an article about Barclays, one on Alliance and Leicester and one on Northern Rock.

But I got quoted in this neat and accurate story in Portfolio magazine.

All I noted was that the UK had taken Maggie's philosophy to heart and decided that if financial institutions didn't have much capital the market wouldn't deal with them. The result is that UK institutions got to run with much less capital than their American counterparts and that left them vulnerable.

That is clearly true. But the journo found a better story about why wholesale financing arrangements shouldn't be regulated... that lovely cliche about "consenting adults".

Hey you know what happens to "consenting adults"...

I thought you did...
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

General disclaimer

The content contained in this blog represents the opinions of Mr. Hempton. You should assume Mr. Hempton and his affiliates have positions in the securities discussed in this blog, and such beneficial ownership can create a conflict of interest regarding the objectivity of this blog. Statements in the blog are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors. Certain information in this blog concerning economic trends and performance is based on or derived from information provided by third-party sources. Mr. Hempton does not guarantee the accuracy of such information and has not independently verified the accuracy or completeness of such information or the assumptions on which such information is based. Such information may change after it is posted and Mr. Hempton is not obligated to, and may not, update it. The commentary in this blog in no way constitutes a solicitation of business, an offer of a security or a solicitation to purchase a security, or investment advice. In fact, it should not be relied upon in making investment decisions, ever. It is intended solely for the entertainment of the reader, and the author. In particular this blog is not directed for investment purposes at US Persons.