What have the banks learned about themselves during the recession?
Even though the UK banking system has been knocked from pillar to post, criticised across the board and is ultimately in the firing line of UK regulators it may surprise many to learn that controversially the UK banking sector has shown itself to be stronger than the an amalgamation of the consumer, government and regulators.
It is noticeable that while the UK government and regulators are trying to force new regulations and laws on to financial companies in the UK, the financial sector as a whole has remained fairly quiet. Many people believe that this is because the banking sector as a whole has now noticed and appreciates how strong it is compared to any other organisation in the UK. Ultimately, while the UK government has tried to call the shots as much as possible with regard to funding for the UK banking sector and money markets, in all honesty, when the banks requested money the government came running.
It will be interesting to see how the UK banking sector develops over the coming months as the UK economy starts to turn and focus again moves back to the financial sector. Will the government still be as strong when the banking sector is picking up? Can the government afford to fit the regulatory straitjacket it has threatened?
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