Too Big to Save? How to Fix the U.S. Financial System

Industry luminary Robert Pozen offers his insights on the future of U.S. finance The recent credit crisis and the resulting bailout program are unprecedented events in the financial industry. While it's important to understand what got us here, it's even more important to consider how we should get out. While there is little question that immediate action was required to stabilize the situation, it is now time to look for a long-term plan to reform the United States financial industry. That is where Bob Pozen comes in. Perhaps more than anyone in the industry, Pozen commands the respect and attention of the public and private sector. In this timely guide, he outlines his vision for the new financial future and provides actionable advice along the way. To Pozen, there are four high-priority problems that must be addressed, and this book puts them in perspective Analyzes alternative models for government stakes in banks Recommends a new board structure for large financial institutions Examines the importance of broader Fed jurisdiction over systemic risks Proposes a way to revive the securitization of loans With Too Big to Save, you'll learn the likely future of the finance industry and understand why changes have to be made.

Foreword. Acknowledgments. The Financial Crisis: A Parable. Part I: The United States Housing Slump and the Global Financial Crisis. Chapter 1 The Rise and Fall of U.S. Housing Prices. Chapter 2 Fannie and Freddie. Chapter 3 Mortgage Securitization in the Private Sector. Chapter 4 Credit Default Swaps and Mathematical Models. Part II: Impact on Stock and Bond Markets. Chapter 5 Short Selling, Hedge Funds and Leverage. Chapter 6 Capital Requirements at Brokers and Banks. Chapter 7 Impact on Short-Term Lending. Chapter 8 Insuring Deposits and Money Market Funds. Part III: Evaluating the Bailout Act of 2008. Chapter 9 Why and How Treasury Recapitalized So Many Banks. Chapter 10 Increasing Lending Volumes and Removing Toxic Assets. Chapter 11 Limiting Executive Compensation and Improving Boards of Directors. Chapter 12 Were Accounting Rules an Important Factor Contributing to the Financial Crisis? Part IV: The Future of the American Financial System. Chapter 13 The International Implications of the Financial Crisis for the United States. Chapter 14 The New Structure of U.S. Financial Regulation. Notes. Glossary. About the Author. Index.