The Enhanced Supplementary Leverage Capital Ratio: An Essential Post-Crisis Reform Should Not Be Weakened

Martin J. Gruenberg, member of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), discussed why the federal banking agencies significantly strengthened the leverage capital requirements for the eight US global systemically important banks (G-SIBs) after the recent financial crisis, and why he takes issue with a recent proposal by the Federal Reserve and the Comptroller of the Currency to reduce those requirements.

Gruenberg is a member of the FDIC Board of Directors. Previously, he served as chairman of the FDIC, receiving Senate confirmation on November 15, 2012 for a five-year term. He served as vice chairman and member of the FDIC Board of Directors from August 22, 2005 until his confirmation as chairman. He served as acting chairman from July 9, 2011 to November 15, 2012, and also from November 16, 2005 to June 26, 2006.