May
23

Viewpoint with Eliot Spitzer | Charles Ferguson on How Harvard and Other Universities Collude with the Financial Industry

In an exclusive Web extra filmed after his appearance on “Viewpoint with Eliot Spitzer,” Charles Ferguson, the director of the Academy Award-winning documentary “Inside Job,” surprises Eliot Spitzer by revealing that Larry Summers worked for the hedge fund Taconic Capital Advisors while he was president of Harvard University, underscoring Ferguson’s point that academia and the … Read more Related posts:
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  2. Charles Ferguson Director of the Wall Street Documentary ‘Inside Job’ – Let Them Eat Task Forces
  3. Lanny Breuer, Eliot Spitzer, Mary Jo White, & Neil Barofsky | Crooks on the Loose? Did Felons Get a Free Pass in the Financial Crisis? (VIDEO)
May
21

“Tim, could you get the door?” “Sure, honey… are we expecting company?” “Not that I know of…”

 

As many as 1,000 surprise guests visited the Bethesda home of Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on Sunday around 5:00 PM.  They sang, they prayed  and they tried to deliver a letter to Mr. Geithner… but according to the Wall Street Journal’s story, no one answered the door.

The group was organized by National People’s Action, and they said that they went to the Geithner residence because they want Tim to launch an investigation into the causes of the 2008 financial crisis, impose a tax on profits from speculative trades, and roughly 60 people just wanted to use the family’s rest room after a long bus ride to Bethesda.

All we are saying’, is give fleece a chance…

Okay, so… Knock knock.

Who’s there?

Robin.

Robin who?

Robbin’ the middle class in America.

I already told you, I don’t know where the $16 trillion went.  

I just wanted to thank the nice people at National People’s Action for going to Tim’s house Sunday, and not mine.

“Does that taste like actual dog poo to you?”  ”Yep, ‘fraid so.”

 ”Oh God, what do we do? I think I’m going to heave.”

“Just spit it into the napkin, and look for a rear exit.”

“I told you we shouldn’t attend a Save Your Home America luncheon.”

“Yeah, well you’re the genius who said order the meatloaf.”

“Okay, now I’ll explain it one more time… You guys are down here.  And see the bankers, why they’re way up here.  And it’s true that the gap between here and here is getting larger, but that’s only because you guys down here aren’t excelling like the bankers are.  You need to do better.”

Yeah, I’ve got a plan, and it’s an evil plan too, Bwhahahahahaha.”

“No, no, no… not me again. Pick Ben, pick Ben, pick Ben…”

“Look, I paid last time, now get that wallet out of your pocket and pick up a check for once in your life, or I swear, I’ll call a press conference and tell the reporters that I found the $9 trillion they’ve been asking about and you’ve got it.”

“Yeah, so what if I have had a couple of drinks. Go ahead, ask me again and see what I do…

TARP, TARP, BO-BARP, BANANA FANA FO FARP… FI MO MARP, TARP.

See, I’ll be sober in the morning, but you’ll still be stupid.”

“Okay, now here’s where I show you how well the economy is performing with hand gestures, while I make Vrooomm sounds with my mouth. Last time I did this the market opened up almost  100 points so you guys might want to open your E-trade Apps.”

May
19

Quotes of the day

Disappointment.


In Europe, where more than 200,000 people thronged a Berlin rally in 2008 to hear Barack Obama speak, there’s disappointment that he hasn’t kept his promise to close the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, and perceptions that he’s shunting blame for the financial crisis across the Atlantic. In Mogadishu, a former teacher wishes he had [...]

Read this post »

May
15

Smoking by the Powderkeg

A major defense of JPM's beached whale is that $2B isn't that big of a deal to Fortress Balance Sheet. That's correct, but it misses the point.

If a supposedly well-run bank like JPM could lose $2B so quickly, the same could easily happen to a bank with a less solid balance sheet. Losses of this magnitude that materialize very quickly are exactly the sort of thing that can spark a panic as counterparties suddenly start to wonder if they'll be paid and then their counterparties start to worry about them, etc. In other words, a sharp, sudden shock like this is exactly the type of thing that can create a financial crisis. The issue isn't JPM.  It's that the financial system is still has the potential for great volatility post-Dodd-Frank.  

May
08

Pino v BONY | Florida Supreme Court to Review Dismissed Foreclosure Lawsuit Against Greenacres Man

Florida Supreme Court to review dismissed foreclosure lawsuit against Greenacres man By Kimberly Miller Palm Beach Post Staff Writer An unassuming drywall hanger from Greenacres has banks warning of a “widespread financial crisis” if the Florida Supreme Court favors him in a landmark foreclosure case justices will hear this week. Plucked out of the 4th … Read more Related posts:
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  2. Bank Satisfied Mortgage in PINO after Fraudclosure Exposed But Can’t Seem to Pay Off Four Judges in the Florida Supreme Court
  3. Florida Supreme Court to Address Foreclosure Fraud | ROMAN PINO vs THE BANK OF NEW YORK
Apr
28

Bank CEOs To Tell Fed Financial Regulation Is ‘Unrealistic’

Bank CEOs To Tell Fed Regulation Is ‘Unrealistic’: Report The banking industry is getting personal in its tireless fight against regulation. Jamie Dimon, chief executive of JPMorgan Chase and the industry’s regulation-basher in chief, has called for a sit-down next week between the heads of four of the nation’s biggest banks — JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs, … Read more Related posts:
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  2. Criminalizing Mortgage Delinquency | Bailed Out Wall Street CEOs of Recidivist, Predatory Financial Institutions Blame Homeowners in Foreclosure Fiasco
  3. Cummings Calls for Testimony and Documents from Mortgage Bank CEOs
Apr
26

Culprits of the Crisis | Derivatives expert Janet Tavakoli takes a hard look at what – and who – caused the financial crisis

Finding the Culprits of the Crisis Derivatives expert Janet Tavakoli takes a hard look at what — and who — caused the financial crisis. Janet Tavakoli calls it as she sees it ... Related posts:
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Apr
23

60 Minutes: The Case Against Lehman Brothers (VIDEO)

The case against Lehman Brothers Steve Kroft talks to the bank examiner whose investigation reveals the how and why of the spectacular financial collapse of Lehman Brothers, the bankruptcy that triggered the world financial crisis. The case against Lehman Brothers Web Extras The case against Lehman Brothers Kroft: When to give up on accountability Inside … Read more Related posts:
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Apr
19

Holy Crap | Game Over – The Mother Of All Infographics: Visualizing America’s Derivatives Universe

Derivatives: The Unregulated Global Casino for Banks SHORT STORY: Pick something of value, make bets on the future value of “something”, add contract & you have a derivative. Banks make massive profits on derivatives, and when the bubble bursts chances are the tax payer will end up with the bill. LONG STORY: A derivative is … Read more Related posts:
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  3. Holy Fraudclosure! | Cantwell to Justice Department: Fully Investigate Fraudulent Foreclosures before Bank Settlement
Apr
18

Dylan Ratigan | Revolving Doors – Federal Reserve Officials Leave For Wall Street With Privileged Info

The Market Ticker – Dylan Slays ‘Em Again It just never ends folks, at least not if you vote “D” or “R”…. Months after requesting the transcripts detailing what happened inside the Fed during the financial crisis, the Dylan Ratigan Show reveals the information they received, and discuss their findings with the Huffington Post’s Ryan … Read more Related posts:
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Apr
16

Great news: “Too big to fail” banks even bigger now

Priorities.


More than two years ago, Barack Obama railed against “too big to fail” banks and pledged to prevent the “further consolidation” of the banking system.  Did Obama succeed?  According to Bloomberg, the five banks that held assets equal to 43% of the US economy in 2007 before the financial crisis and the bank bailout now [...]

Read this post »

Mar
30

Top Bank CEOs Express Contrition for Financial Crisis and Willingness to “Pay Their Fair Share”

PRESS RELEASE Date: March 30, 2012 Contact: Mary Bottari mary@prwatch.org   Wall Street Titans Support Financial Speculation Tax Top Bank CEOs Express Contrition for Financial Crisis and Willingness to “Pay Their Fair Share” Washington, DC – On the eve of Tax Day, as millions of Americans are still struggling with hard times and worrying about … Read more Related posts:
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Mar
28

MM PODCAST: From Fannie Mae to FHA – Edward Pinto Wants Government Out of Housing Finance

Edward J. Pinto

Former Chief Credit Officer, Fannie Mae

Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

An executive vice president and chief credit officer for Fannie Mae until the late 1980s, Edward Pinto has done groundbreaking research on the role of government housing policies in the lead-up to the financial crisis.  His data have revealed striking facts about the contributions of housing policy to the mortgage crisis.

Two of his major research papers have been submitted to the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission: “Government Housing Policies in the Lead-up to the Financial Crisis: A Forensic Study,” and “Triggers of the Financial Crisis.”

Today, Ed is continuing his work on how housing policies impacted the financial crisis and researching policy considerations and options for rebuilding our housing-finance sector.  He earned his B.A. at the University of Illinois, and his J.D. at Indiana University.

Ed and I first came in contact with each other a couple of years ago, and although we haven’t always agreed on everything, I have followed his work closely and have come to have a great deal of respect for his work and for him as a person.

On this Mandelman Matters Podcast, I ask Ed about the results of his extensive research into the FHA, which he refers to as the “new sub-prime,” and “the next bailout.”  His extensive study of the FHA’s data in terms of leverage and default rates will flat out shock you.  And when you hear him explain how the government is perpetuating the foreclosure crisis… well, to say it’s infuriating would be an understatement.

Okay, so make sure your speakers are turned up and I’d make sure you’re sitting down to avoid falling over when you hear some of the things Ed Pinto has to say.

~~~

This Mandelman Matters Podcast is presented in two parts.  Part 1 is just under 60 minutes and focuses on the FHA and the big picture facts about our government’s role in housing finance, and Part 2 is about 40 minutes, and goes further into the causes of the crisis, and where Ed sees us going from here. 

Like I said, you may not always agree with his conclusions or cures, but his research is always fascinating, his facts are bulletproof, his experience as an “insider”at Fannie Mae is invaluable… and I don’t think there’s any question that his motives are pure. 

Just click on PART ONE below to start listening to…

From Fannie Mae to FHA –

Why Ed Pinto Wants Government Out of Housing Finance

A Mandelman Matters Podcast

 

And Coming Soon…

Two of Ed’s latest articles:

Truth in Government Lending is Long Overdue

Empty promise: The holes in the administration’s housing finance reform plan

~~~

And you can SUBSCRIBE to Ed Pinto’s blog and FHA WATCH bulletins.

He can be contacted via Email at: edward.pinto@aei.org

Mandelman out.

Mar
28

MM PODCAST: From Fannie Mae to FHA – Edward Pinto Wants Government Out of Housing Finance

Edward J. Pinto

Resident Fellow, American Enterprise Institute

An executive vice president and chief credit officer for Fannie Mae until the late 1980s, Edward Pinto has done groundbreaking research on the role of government housing policies in the lead-up to the financial crisis.  His data have revealed striking facts about the contributions of housing policy to the mortgage crisis.

Two of his major research papers have been submitted to the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission: “Government Housing Policies in the Lead-up to the Financial Crisis: A Forensic Study,” and “Triggers of the Financial Crisis.”

Today, Ed is continuing his work on how housing policies impacted the financial crisis and researching policy considerations and options for rebuilding our housing-finance sector.  He earned his B.A. at the University of Illinois, and his J.D. at Indiana University.

Ed and I first came in contact with each other a couple of years ago, and although we haven’t always agreed on everything, I have followed his work closely and have come to have a great deal of respect for his work and for him as a person.

On this Mandelman Matters Podcast, I ask Ed about the results of his extensive research into the FHA, which he refers to as the “new sub-prime,” and “the next bailout.”  His extensive study of the FHA’s data in terms of leverage and default rates will flat out shock you.  And when you hear him explain how the government is perpetuating the foreclosure crisis… well, to say it’s infuriating would be an understatement.

Okay, so make sure your speakers are turned up and I’d make sure you’re sitting down to avoid falling over when you hear some of the things Ed Pinto has to say.

Two of Ed’s latest articles:

Truth in Government Lending is Long Overdue

Empty promise: The holes in the administration’s housing finance reform plan

~~~

And you can SUBSCRIBE to Ed Pinto’s blog and FHA WATCH bulletins.

He can be contacted via Email at: edward.pinto@aei.org

~~~

This Mandelman Matters Podcast is presented in two parts.  Part 1 is just under 60 minutes and focuses on the FHA and the big picture facts about our government’s role in housing finance, and Part 2 is about 40 minutes, and goes further into the causes of the crisis, and where Ed sees us going from here. 

Like I said, you may not always agree with his conclusions or cures, but his research is always fascinating, his facts are bulletproof, his experience as an “insider”at Fannie Mae is invaluable… and I don’t think there’s any question that his motives are pure. 

Just click on PART ONE below to start listening to…

From Fannie Mae to FHA – Why Ed Pinto Wants Government Out of Housing Finance

A Mandelman Matters Podcast

 

And Coming Soon…

Mandelman out.

Mar
28

Replay | Culture Project: Blueprint for Accountability w/ Ratigan, Spitzer & Taibbi

Culture Project: Blueprint for Accountability from Culture Project on FORA.tv If you couldn’t get it to play last night, you can check it out above… ~ 4closureFraud.org TweetRelated posts: Dylan Ratigan, Eliot Spitzer, Matt Taibbi, Van Jones | Superstar Lineup Tackles Financial Crisis and Congressional Collusion, An Unprecedented Live-Streaming Event March 27th 7PM EST Dylan … Read more Related posts:
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Mar
28

Replay | Culture Project: Blueprint for Accountability w/ Ratigan, Spitzer & Taibbi

Culture Project: Blueprint for Accountability from Culture Project on FORA.tv If you couldn’t get it to play last night, you can check it out above… ~ 4closureFraud.org TweetRelated posts: Dylan Ratigan, Eliot Spitzer, Matt Taibbi, Van Jones | Superstar Lineup Tackles Financial Crisis and Congressional Collusion, An Unprecedented Live-Streaming Event March 27th 7PM EST Dylan … Read more Related posts:
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Mar
27

Dylan Ratigan, Eliot Spitzer, Matt Taibbi, Van Jones | Superstar Lineup Tackles Financial Crisis and Congressional Collusion, An Unprecedented Live-Streaming Event March 27th 7PM EST

Eliot Spitzer, Matt Taibbi, Van Jones: Superstar Lineup Tackles Financial Crisis and Congressional Collusion The public conversation about the incestuous and nefarious links between congressional financial deregulation and Wall Street greed, which produced the fiasco known as the Great Recession of 2007, is about to get much hotter next week. The NYC-based Culture Project, known … Read more Related posts:
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Mar
23

MF’s Corzine Ordered $200 Million of Customer Funds Moved to JP Morgan, Memo Says

MF’s Corzine Ordered Funds Moved to JP Morgan, Memo Says Jon S. Corzine, MF Global Holding Ltd. (MFGLQ)’s chief executive officer, gave “direct instructions” to transfer $200 million from a customer ... Related posts:
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Mar
22

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Annual Report | Choosing the Road to Prosperity – Why We Must End Too Big to Fail

Choosing the Road to Prosperity – Why We Must End Too Big to Fail—Now The too-big-to-fail institutions that amplified and prolonged the recent financial crisis remain a hindrance to full economic recovery and to the very ideal of American capitalism. It is imperative that we break up the big banks. Here’s the full letter from … Read more Related posts:
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Mar
22

“End of the Road – How Money Became Worthless.” Teaser Video

Is the financial crisis over, or are we heading towards disaster? End of The Road portrays eleven influential commentators within the finance and investment communities, as they share their knowledge of our current financial structure. Through each of their narratives, a story is built which chronicles the current economic dilemma and paints a picture of … Read more Related posts:
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Mar
21

A Must Read on the Financial Crisis

Bethany McLean has a must-read article on Reuters about the role of the SEC's 2004 change in broker-dealer leverage requirements in the financial crisis.  The article thoroughly debunks the argument that "the SEC did it" by loosening broker-dealer deregulation. 

I'm really glad to see this article because there is so much sheer nonsense circulating around regarding the financial crisis and its causes. The "CRA-made-me-do-it" and the "it was the GSEs" arguments have been debunked in plenty of places, but it's good to see someone run down the SEC net capital rule argument. Irrespective of the 2012 election, I suspect we're in for a strong dose of self-serving financial crisis revisionism from financial institutions and anti-regulatory ideologues over the next few years as we hear arguments that there's "too much regulation" of banks.  

(Mind you, I'm often sympathetic to arguments that particular regulations are bad regulations, but the "too much regulation" argument is the surest sign that the proponent has no interest in whether regulation is done well; it is an argument against regulation, period, and that's a position that ideology should trump good government, facts be damned.)  

Here's a simple test of whether there is too much regulation of the banking sector:  what's the demand for banking charters?  I am unaware of any banks deciding to throw in the towel and surrender their charters, and I'm also unaware of any lack of demand for a banking charter.  The question isn't whether financial institutions can operate profitably--it's a question of how profitably.

From a public policy perspective, the specific level of profitability is irrelevant, as long as there is enough profit potential there for private risk capital to step up and provide financial services to society. The continued presence of private risk capital is a shibboleth of "overregulation." It's pretty clear that we haven't hit "peak banking" yet. 

I've found this to be a very hard conversation to have with people in the financial services industry, as many have a hardwired mindset that there is an entitlement to a particular level of profits (and that level can only increase). I guess this is the "endowment effect" in a corporate setting. But it's so fundamentally part of the worldview, that any action that might as an incidental effect reduce (as opposed to eliminate) profits is viewed as beyond the Pale of civilized activity.  

Mar
12

FORECLOSURE FRAUD THE FINANCIAL CRISIS AND SHREK’S ONION

“The CONSPIRED PLAN: To create “attractive” securitized trust ”investments” to sell on Wall Street to “unsuspecting securitized trust investors.” NOTE: Many “Investors” being Pension Plans for blue collar workers, which were instructed by the Pension Plans to invest only in verifiable “LOW RISK” investment vehicles. And let’s not forget other types of employee Pension Plans, … Read more Related posts:
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Mar
12

FORECLOSURE FRAUD THE FINANCIAL CRISIS AND SHREK’S ONION

“The CONSPIRED PLAN: To create “attractive” securitized trust ”investments” to sell on Wall Street to “unsuspecting securitized trust investors.” NOTE: Many “Investors” being Pension Plans for blue collar workers, which were instructed by the Pension Plans to invest only in verifiable “LOW RISK” investment vehicles. And let’s not forget other types of employee Pension Plans, … Read more Related posts:
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Mar
08

Wells Fargo Warns Shareholders – it’s own behavior may hurt the bank’s performance.

Wells Fargo

2011 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

Furthermore, there can be no assurance as to when or whether a

definitive agreement regarding the settlement will be reached and

finalized or that it will be on terms consistent with the settlement in

principle.

Risk Factors (continued) 

Page  Report 107  PDF 72

Negative publicity, including as a result of protests, could damage our reputation and business. 

Reputation risk, or the risk to our business, earnings and capital from negative public opinion, is inherent in our business and increased substantially because of the financial crisis and the increase in our size and profile in the financial services industry following our acquisition of Wachovia.

The reputation of the financial services industry in general has been damaged as a result of the financial crisis and other matters affecting the financial services industry, and negative public opinion about the financial services industry generally or Wells Fargo specifically could adversely affect our ability to keep and attract customers. Negative public opinion could result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including mortgage lending practices, servicing and foreclosure activities, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and disclosure, sharing or inadequate protection of customer information, and from actions taken by government regulators and community or other organizations in response to that conduct. Because we conduct most of our businesses under the “Wells Fargo” brand, negative public opinion about one business could affect our other businesses and also could negatively affect our “cross-sell” strategy.

The proliferation of social media websites utilized by Wells Fargo and other third parties, as well as the personal use of social media by our team members and others, including personal blogs and social network profiles, also may increase the risk that negative, inappropriate or unauthorized information may be posted or released publicly that could harm our reputation or have other negative consequences, including as a result of our team members interacting with our customers in an unauthorized manner in various social media outlets.

During the past several months, Wells Fargo and other financial institutions have been the targets of numerous protests throughout the U.S., such as the “Occupy Wall Street” protests and other movements designed to cause customers to close their accounts with large financial institutions. These protests have included disrupting the operation of our retail banking stores and have resulted in negative public commentary about financial institutions, including the fees charged for various products and services.

There can be no assurance that continued protests and negative publicity for the Company or large financial institutions generally will not harm our reputation and adversely affect our business and financial results.

 

Thanks for the warning, Wells Fargo. So far, I’d say you’re right on track to be referring to this warning as part of your defense one day.  I’m just saying… 

 

By the way, is Warren Buffet okay with this whole thing?  Amazing.

 

Mandelman out.

Mar
08

Wells Fargo Warns Shareholders – it’s own behavior may hurt the bank’s performance.

Wells Fargo

2011 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

Furthermore, there can be no assurance as to when or whether a

definitive agreement regarding the settlement will be reached and

finalized or that it will be on terms consistent with the settlement in

principle.

Risk Factors (continued) 

Page  Report 107  PDF 72

Negative publicity, including as a result of protests, could damage our reputation and business. 

Reputation risk, or the risk to our business, earnings and capital from negative public opinion, is inherent in our business and increased substantially because of the financial crisis and the increase in our size and profile in the financial services industry following our acquisition of Wachovia.

The reputation of the financial services industry in general has been damaged as a result of the financial crisis and other matters affecting the financial services industry, and negative public opinion about the financial services industry generally or Wells Fargo specifically could adversely affect our ability to keep and attract customers. Negative public opinion could result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including mortgage lending practices, servicing and foreclosure activities, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and disclosure, sharing or inadequate protection of customer information, and from actions taken by government regulators and community or other organizations in response to that conduct. Because we conduct most of our businesses under the “Wells Fargo” brand, negative public opinion about one business could affect our other businesses and also could negatively affect our “cross-sell” strategy.

The proliferation of social media websites utilized by Wells Fargo and other third parties, as well as the personal use of social media by our team members and others, including personal blogs and social network profiles, also may increase the risk that negative, inappropriate or unauthorized information may be posted or released publicly that could harm our reputation or have other negative consequences, including as a result of our team members interacting with our customers in an unauthorized manner in various social media outlets.

During the past several months, Wells Fargo and other financial institutions have been the targets of numerous protests throughout the U.S., such as the “Occupy Wall Street” protests and other movements designed to cause customers to close their accounts with large financial institutions. These protests have included disrupting the operation of our retail banking stores and have resulted in negative public commentary about financial institutions, including the fees charged for various products and services.

There can be no assurance that continued protests and negative publicity for the Company or large financial institutions generally will not harm our reputation and adversely affect our business and financial results.

 

Thanks for the warning, Wells Fargo. So far, I’d say you’re right on track to be referring to this warning as part of your defense one day.  I’m just saying… 

 

By the way, is Warren Buffet okay with this whole thing?  Amazing.

 

Mandelman out.

Mar
08

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System | Moral Hazard – The Effect of TARP on Bank Risk-Taking

Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System International Finance Discussion IFDP 1043 March 2012 The Effect of TARP on Bank Risk-Taking Lamont Black and Lieu Hazelwood ABSTRACT: One of the largest responses of the U.S. government to the recent financial crisis was the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). TARP was originally intended to stabilize … Read more No related posts.
Mar
06

Ponying Up: How Much Have Big Banks Been Docked for the Financial Crisis?

Ponying Up: How Much Have Big Banks Been Docked for the Financial Crisis? By Cora Currier, ProPublica Nearly four years after the financial crisis, settlements with the big players on Wall Street keep coming out, one after the other. It can be hard to keep track of it all. So who’s been hit, with what, … Read more Related posts:
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Feb
27

Matt Weidner | Amerika, Why Can’t We Jail Bankers?

Amerika, Why Can’t We Jail Bankers? We’re coming up on four years since the financial crisis of 2008 nearly took this nation over the edge. But just as the jalopy called our nation’s financial system started to fly off into the abyss, the banker elites and their hand-picked handmaidens at all levels of government stepped … Read more Related posts:
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Feb
27

Robosigning 2.0: Coming to a Foreclosure Review Near You

Last October, I wrote a post entitled "Robosigning 2.0" that discussed some job ads for outsourced OCC foreclosure reviews. I predicted based on the job ad qualifications that the foreclosure reviews would be nothing other than a whitewash. The OCC doesn't want anyone digging too deeply into the solvency of the major banks or into the mess they've made of the mortgage paperwork system. Well, now there's evidence that this is exactly what's going on. The interview with this whistleblower is well worth reading. Put this one in the suspension of belief category:

Supervisors told his entire group that “Wells Fargo had submitted over 10,000 files to Promentory. Only 4 were found to be in question, and upon final review by Wells, no harm was found.” So, 10,000 homeowners submitted their complaints and all 10,000 were deemed to be models of perfection. 

It will be interesting to see the final figures on the reviews...if the OCC releases them. (Maybe I should brush up on my FOIA skills....) I really hope that mainstream news organizations pick up on this the way 60 Minutes did on DocX. I would say something about how we should be calling for the Comptroller's resignation, but who am I kidding. The story in consumer finance politics is that when it is banks vs. debtors, the debtors lose. That was the outcome in 2005. That was the outcome with cramdown. And that's the outcome with robosigning. There's no Association of American Debtors working the Hill. Consumers only win when the issue affects the middle class, not those falling out of it. Witness the CARD Act and the CFPB. And even those took a financial crisis of epic proportions. I worry where we'll be in five years once the memory of the crisis has faded and "it was overregulation's fault" revisionism has become respectible coventional wisdom for half of the polity. Sigh.  

Feb
27

Thank You to Philomila Tsoukala

Credit Slips has been fortunate to have my Georgetown colleague Philomila Tsoukala as a guest blogger the past couple weeks. The mainstream US media press coverage of the Greek financial crisis has focused on the dynamic between the Greek government and the EU, but as Philo's posts remind us, there is a complex internal dynamic in Greece, with the Greek population actually having to live with the deals its government keeps making.  Thank you Philo!

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