This course will introduce students to the United State’s system for regulating financial institutions with an emphasis on federal regulation of banks. The course will focus on 3 topics. First, the course will discuss the history of U.S. banking law, including an overview of the policy justifications for strict regulation of banks. Second, the course will continue by examining the statutorily granted powers conferred upon banks and the limitations placed upon the business activities of banks. Finally, the course will end by covering the regulatory regime for (1) supervising bank activities (e.g. regulating a bank’s assets and liabilities, consumer protection, predatory lending), (2) correcting unsound banking practices, and (3) addressing bank failure. If time permits, the course will also cover topics relating to the effect of technology, such as electronic banking and mobile banking, on existing banking regulations.
Updated: June 20, 2012