Senator Elizabeth Warren has accused Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell of favoring the financial industry over the interests of the American public. This accusation comes after reports surfaced that Powell may be advocating for changes to regulations that would reduce the capital cushion large American banks are required to hold under the Basel III Endgame proposals. Warren expressed disappointment that Powell, after meeting with big bank CEOs, appears to be delaying and watering down the proposed regulations.
The Basel III Endgame proposals were unveiled last year by the Federal Reserve and two other U.S. banking regulators as a response to the 2008 global financial crisis. The regulations aim to increase the capital requirements for banks in order to mitigate risks associated with trading, lending, and other activities. Warren emphasized the importance of these rules, particularly in light of recent bank failures and economic threats such as the weak commercial real estate market.
Bank CEOs and lobbying groups have pushed back against the proposed increases in capital requirements, arguing that they are too aggressive and would lead to a reduction in lending. CEO of JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon, has been reported to have coordinated efforts to weaken the rules by urging fellow CEOs to appeal directly to Powell. Warren criticized Powell for allegedly succumbing to industry pressure and putting the financial security of middle-class and working families at risk.
In her letter to Powell, Warren urged him to allow a Federal Reserve Board vote on the original, tougher Basel proposal by the end of the month. The Senator highlighted the urgency of finalizing and approving the rules before the U.S. elections in November, indicating that the outcome of the election could have an impact on the fate of the proposal. Warren called on Powell to prioritize the interests of the American people over those of the banking industry and to uphold the global regulators’ recommendations for a 16% increase in capital requirements.
Senator Elizabeth Warren’s accusations against Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell shed light on the ongoing debate surrounding banking regulations and the role of financial institutions in shaping financial policy. The outcome of this conflict will have far-reaching implications for the stability of the financial system and the well-being of the American public. It remains to be seen how Powell will respond to Warren’s call for action and whether he will prioritize the interests of the industry or those of the American people.