Ring Fencing Volcker's Rule?

Abstract

This chapter is aimed at highlighting why ring fencing not only presents a more feasible and cost effective option to other models, but also why its degree of flexibility provides the more appropriate balance in a financial environment whose trend is increasingly inclined towards conglomeration. Whilst the Liikanen Report highlights why there is need for re-structuring of banks into separate legal entities – as a means of achieving ring fencing activities, the mandatory separation of banks' proprietary trading and other risky activities, such as that opted for under the Liikanen Report could be distinguished from the position under Volcker's Rule in the sense that it does not impose such stringent requirements as those applicable under Volcker's Rule – whilst not being as flexible as ring fencing recommendations proposed in the Vickers Report.