Banking regulation ..... be cautious of course, just don't overdo it

Jonathan Ford in the Financial Times ("Inside Business on Monday" p.18) considers how things have changed since the financial crisis of 2008. Before that time, agendas in banking boardrooms were dominated by the rush for profits, but now the regulators are in control. This of course is a good thing .... all are agreed that the excesses of the past and the perceived neglect of customers' interests must never return. There is a danger, though. Over-regulation can stifle investment and initiative, and discourage the lenders that any economy needs.