Course | Columbia Law School

Can Europe put together a Banking Union?

This will be the most ambitious project that the European Union will be attempting to put in place. However, the hurdles are enormous, and so are the challenges and political divisions on this road. The purpose of this seminar is to look at the difficulties and achievements of the European financial regulation in a post financial crisis environment dominated by the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis. 

Through a series of themes, we will use specific situations that will illustrate the topics, but also provide stimulating avenues of reflection on the future of banking and finance in Europe. They will include resolution mechanisms, derivative markets, alternative investments, Basle III, Capital adequacy, Eurozone impact on financial institutions. The kaleidoscopic nature of Europe and European financial services provides with a unique laboratory for regulatory challenges.

Each session will include

• The evolution of the regulation
•  A specific case study to identify the application of this new regulation
• Readings focused on the evolution of this regulatory landscape and the debate between the US and Europe on those issues

This is a matter in flux: there is very little academic literature, let alone books, which cover the current status of these issues. Law firms' analysis is also a precious source of information. There will therefore be a need to include current analysis, statements and issues in discussion. The objective is a deeper understanding of the elements of the regulatory landscape in Europe, but also the issues that these evolutions arise among the various stakeholders.

Each session will include a contribution by a one or two of students on the topic of the day. Additionally a short paper will be required, either on the same topic, or on another agreed topic.

Grades will be divided in
:

60% for the presentation and quality of the participation of the debate

40% for the short part