US Charts Independent Regulatory Course, Fracturing Global Banking Accord

A significant rupture is emerging in global financial regulation as the United States deliberately distances itself from the international Basel framework. This strategic shift marks a departure from the post-2008 crisis consensus and signals a new era of regulatory divergence.The U. S.stance, characterized by relaxed enforcement and resistance to implementing the final Basel III 'endgame' capital requirements, reflects a fundamental philosophical split. American regulators and banking advocates contend that the U.S. financial system, already the world's most robustly capitalized, would be unduly burdened by additional global mandates, potentially stifling economic growth and credit availability.This position stands in stark contrast to European counterparts, who remain haunted by the 2008 collapse and view any weakening of global standards as a threat to financial stability. The transatlantic divide creates immediate dangers, including regulatory arbitrage where institutions may relocate high-risk operations to more lenient jurisdictions.This fragmentation undermines the Basel Committee's authority and jeopardizes the concept of a level global playing field. The long-term implications are severe: a patchwork of national regulations could create vulnerabilities that the next financial crisis may exploit.While U. S. officials are betting on the strength of domestic safeguards, this unilateral move risks triggering consequences with potential worldwide impact.

#banking regulation

#Basel III

#financial crisis

#US policy

#global finance

#central banks

#featured