Arguments for and against as US bodies scrabble for top slot

The FT’s Lex column speculates on whether or not the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which appears to be a front-runner to be a US super-regulator, is best suited for the task.

In favour:

  • The Securities and Exchange Commission is discredited
  • Sheila Bair, chairman of the FDIC, has argued for a leading role
  • Blair proposed a council to monitor systemic risk, wrong-footing the Federal Reserve
  • 75 years of experience with insolvent bank subsidiaries, dispatching management and auctioning assets.
  • Trusted household name
  • Already pulled into numerous bail-outs and guarantee programmes

But:

  • Could undermine its good work by dabbling in higher risk activities
  • Of all US regulators, it has already strayed furthest from its core mission
  • Fed has better knowledge of complex bank holding companies.

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The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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