Modernizing The Us Financial Regulatory System

This testimony discusses a Jan. 8, 2009, report that provides a framework for modernizing the outdated U.S. financial regulatory system. This testimony: (1) describes how regulation has evolved in banking, securities, thrifts, credit unions, futures, insurance, secondary mortgage markets and other important areas; (2) describes several key changes in financial markets and products in recent decades that have highlighted significant limitations and gaps in the existing regulatory system; and (3) presents an evaluation framework that can be used by Congress and others to shape potential regulatory reform efforts. Charts and tables.