Abstract:
Comparing and contrasting the U.S. banking and financial system in 1986 and in 2006, the author notes that the most notable difference is the current system's resilience and health in spite of some significant shocks. One reason for this health, he believes, is the changing bank supervisory environment, particularly the move toward stronger capital standards and more risk-focused supervision. Among other positive developments he highlights are the increase in market discipline and improvements in risk measurement and management.