Europeans want financial restraints
A European Parliament measure would require an unprecedented level of disclosure from hedge funds and private equity groups, including requirements that they reveal level of debt and executive pay. Stephen Beard reports.
Flags at the European Parliament (iStockphoto)
TEXT OF STORY
Stacey Vanek-Smith: I mentioned trading volumes were light because of the temporary ban on short-selling. That ban is keeping hedge funds out of the markets. Hedge funds and other financial market operators could face a major crackdown on both sides of the Atlantic. Members of the European parliament vote today on measures which could lead to much tougher financial regulation in Europe. From London, Stephen Beard has more.
Stephen Beard: The proposals were drafted more than a year ago, but after last week's market meltdown, they're attracting a lot more attention. The measures cover all market players and call for an unprecedented levels of disclosure. Hedge funds and private equity groups would be forced to open their books. They would have to reveal the source of their money, the level of their debt and their executive's pay. Most controversially, the rewards would have to reflect performance. The European Parliament is expected to warmly endorse the plan. The British government has always resisted such regulation, but at its annual conference this week, the ruling Labor Party has come under pressure from its own supporters to join in the crackdown.
Tape from the conference: This is a party of the people, not of fat cats, speculators, boardroom bonuses, corporate greed. Let that message go from this government.
Yet, the British government fears such stringent rules could hit London's financial center and drive business abroad. Britain is expected to opt out of the measure if it does become law.
In London, this is Stephen Beard for Marketplace.
Comments
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09/24/2008
It's apparent that blatant arrogance does not exist solely in American finance. The big question is not "should we regulate?" but rather "how did we allow deregulation to get so out of hand?" What vain stupidity led us to believe that anyone in finance would take into account "what's best for the ____? (you fill in the blank: nation, people, little guy, whatever). Thus, financial markets around the world now find themselves on shaky ground and those in power stand helplessly asking, "what happened?"
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