The history of bank supervision in America and the road ahead

Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT 
Location: The Brookings Institution, Saul Room, 1775 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20036

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How banks are supervised has been an intense debate for decades. Too often this conversation has focused on legislative and regulatory rules, ignoring the discretionary application of these rules that comprise bank supervision. In their new book, “Private Finance, Public Power: A History of Bank Supervision in America,” professors Peter Conti-Brown and Sean Vanatta uncover how the American system of bank oversight works and how it came to be.

On June 10, the Brookings Center on Regulation and Markets will host a conference featuring the authors of this book and multiple panels of experts examining the complex questions of bank supervision. Former Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) Chair Sheila Bair will offer a keynote with panels featuring a wide range of viewpoints from leading academics, former policymakers, industry leaders, and top journalists. The book’s authors will report their findings, and all participants will address how they see the future of bank supervision.

Viewers can ask questions in advance by emailing events@brookings.edu and on X @BrookingsEcon using #BankSupervision.