July 16, 2012

Want more opportunities and less inequality? Then scrap capital requirements for banks based on perceived risks.

Sir, Lawrence Summers, proposes university to promote economic diversity in “How the land of opportunity can combatinequality” July 16. Let me proposes a more immediate way, scrapping capital requirements for banks based on perceived risk. These drive in a further inequality wedge between those perceived as risky, most often the have-nots, and those perceived as risky, most often the haves, at the same time it makes it more difficult and expensive for small businesses and entrepreneurs to get an opportunity. 

What good would it make for universities to introduce opportunity slots for the poor if then, when the poor graduates, his jobs will depend on legacy networks? 

“Ah but then our banks can become unsafe!” Don’t be silly, when have you ever heard about a bank crisis caused by too much lending to what was considered risky?

Ps. I have recently introduced a complaint before the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau arguing that these capital requirements go against the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B)