FSA screw it up again

The FSA is irredeemably compromised. It has been captured by the financial services industry. As such, taxpayers can not rely on it to properly supervise banks. It must be abolished, with all its powers returned to the Bank of England.

This story from the FT, which highlights the government's disapointment with the FSA's so called crackdown on bonuses, further emphasises the need to abolish this pathetic institution as soon as possible.

Senior cabinet ministers are so disappointed with the Financial Services Authority’s new pay rules, released this week, they are considering whether legislation may be needed to crack down on bankers’ bonuses.

A number of ministers, including Lord Mandelson, the business secretary, are understood to be unhappy with the City regulator’s remuneration code, which toned down some earlier suggested measures.

Lord Mandelson thinks the guidelines, intended to reduce reckless risk-taking, have failed to reflect public concerns that the City is returning to “business as usual” after receiving billions in state support.

“Excessive risk taking had the results that we saw. Ordinary businesses are paying the price,” he said in an interview. “We have not heard the last word on this subject.”

His views are shared by other senior ministers, who suggest legislation may be needed to control short-term incentives for bankers unless the FSA shows it can pursue a tougher line.