Financial Institutions

This course provides a broad introduction to the regulation of financial institutions in the United States. The course addresses: the history of the banking industry in the United States; the basic rationales for regulating banks; the restrictions and other requirements imposed on banks and other financial institutions; the causes and consequences of bank failures; the ways technology and digitization and changing banking and bank regulation; the causes and consequences of shadow banking; and an introduction to the functions of central banks such as the Federal Reserve.

The bulk of the course will focus on the core issues at play in the regulation of banks, but we will also discuss a host of current issues, from the controversies regarding "debanking" to stablecoins and central bank independence. We will be joined by some of the top experts in the field as we explore the evolving landscape.

You do not need to have any background experience or expertise to take this class. It will be taught in a way that will make it broadly accessible.