Saturday, June 24, 2023
I asked OpenAI:
John Kenneth Galbraith in “Money: Whence it came where it went” 1975, wrote:
“For the new parts of the country [USA’s West] … there was the right to create banks at will and therewith the notes and deposits that resulted from their loans…[if] the bank failed…someone was left holding the worthless notes… but some borrowers from this bank were now in business... [jobs created] … The anarchy served the frontier far better than a more orderly system that kept a tight hand on credit would have done”
At what point can the allocation of bank credit to the economy be more important than the safety of banks?"
OpenAI answered:
"The allocation of bank credit to the economy and the safety of banks are both important considerations in the functioning of a financial system. However, the relative importance of each can vary depending on the specific circumstances and goals of the economy.
In certain situations, particularly during periods of economic expansion or in developing regions, the allocation of bank credit to the economy can be prioritized over the safety of banks to foster economic growth and job creation. This is often seen in frontier or emerging economies where access to credit is crucial for entrepreneurship, investment, and the development of new industries.
In the example you mentioned, John Kenneth Galbraith highlighted the role of banks in supporting economic growth in the new parts of the country during the westward expansion in the United States. The more relaxed approach to banking and credit creation allowed for greater access to funds, which facilitated economic activity and job creation, even though it came with the risk of bank failures and some individuals being left with worthless notes.
However, it is important to note that prioritizing credit allocation over bank safety carries inherent risks. Without appropriate regulatory measures and prudential safeguards, excessive risk-taking by banks can lead to financial instability and systemic crises. History has shown that a lack of oversight and inadequate risk management in the financial sector can have severe consequences, as witnessed during the global financial crisis of 2008.
Therefore, finding the right balance between allocating credit to the economy and ensuring the safety and stability of banks is crucial. Regulatory frameworks are designed to strike this balance by setting standards for capital adequacy, risk management, and oversight to mitigate systemic risks and protect depositors.
Ultimately, the allocation of bank credit and the safety of banks are interconnected aspects of a well-functioning financial system. While promoting economic growth and providing credit access is important, it should be done in a manner that also ensures the long-term stability and resilience of the banking sector."
Note: The answers are copied exactly from those given to me by OpenAI
PS. "History has shown that a lack of oversight and inadequate risk management in the financial sector can have severe consequences, as witnessed during the global financial crisis of 2008." Here my questions to AI on that.