The crisis in UK banking

Abstract

Unparalleled turmoil in the banking system over the past two years has impacted severely on the UK's economic prospects. What was once a profitable, fastgrowing, dynamic and highly innovative banking sector has been publicly humiliated, while its lending capacity has stalled. This article highlights the evolution of the credit crisis in the UK, as the fallout from American subprime lending and the housing market bubble spread rapidly across the Atlantic. Lessons from the crisis and policy recommendations are considered, focusing on rebuilding bank liquidity and capital, strengthening bank supervision and regulation, and improving risk evaluation and risk management practices throughout the banking and financial system.