Description: Thursday’s $100 million settlement between Dell and the Securities and Exchange Commission was a reminder that the government is going after tech’s bad boys — and Intel is likely next on the feds’ list. Source: CNNMoney.com Date: 07/23/2010 Link: http://money.cnn.com/2010/07/23/technology/dell_intel/index.htm  Questions for discussion: Summarize the reasons for SEC actions against these firms? How… Read more »
Posts Categorized: Governments & Regulators
Dodd-Frank: What It Means for Comp and Governance
Description: Most companies will feel the impact of the law’s “say on pay” provisions first. After that, they’ll have to wait for SEC clarification. Source: Businessweek.com  Date: 07/16/2010 Link: http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/jul2010/ca20100716_567635.htm Questions for discussion: Summarize the impact this legislation is expected to have? Do you think it will prove to be a positive influence on… Read more »
After Goldman’s Concession, Regulators May Be Satisfied
Description: First, Goldman Sachs. Now — what? Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 07/16/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/17/business/17legal.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Do you think Goldman Sacs received fair treatment from regulatory bodies? How do you interpret the meaning of the fine? How do you think the fine and overall experience will affect practices by firms like Goldman Sachs?
Volcker Pushes for Reform, Regretting Past Silence
Description: JUST before the Fourth of July weekend, Paul A. Volcker packed his fishing gear and set off for his annual outing to the Canadian wilds to cast for Atlantic salmon. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 07/09/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/business/11volcker.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the main points presented in this article. According to Paul Volcker, which reforms… Read more »
Russian Revamp of Legal System May Free 100K Entrepreneurs
Description: Russian lawmakers say they plan to overhaul the law on economic crimes, resulting in the early release of as many as 100,000 imprisoned executives and entrepreneurs as the government seeks to attract investors. Source: Bloomberg.com  Date: 07/02/2010 Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-01/russian-revamp-of-predatory-legal-system-may-free-100-000-entrepreneurs.html Questions for discussion: What do you think of the Russian approach to “investment managementâ€?… Read more »
The Big Interview: Sheila Bair
Description: FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair talks to WSJ economics editor David Wessel about the financial-regulatory legislation pending in Congress, the current health of the banking business and what it’s like to be the sole woman among a band of powerful men. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 06/25/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/the-big-interview-sheila-bair/3505E1E8-BE42-4D21-8896-429459517801 Questions for discussion: Summarize… Read more »
BP Halts Dividend, Earmarks $20 Billion
Description: BP said it was suspending dividend payments for much of this year and created a $20 billion fund to pay injured parties. Alan Murray and Joe White discuss. Also, Steven Gillon, a presidential historian discusses Barack Obama’s leadership style in the context of other presidents who have faced serious crises. Source: Marketwatch.com – video… Read more »
Peddling Relief, Firms Put Debtors in a Deeper Hole
Description: For the companies that promise relief to Americans confronting swelling credit card balances, these are days of lucrative opportunity. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 06/18/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/19/business/economy/19debt.html?ref=business Questions for discussion: Summarize the issues raised in this article for firms, government regulators, and the customer. Do you believe more regulation by government or the financial services… Read more »
House Votes to Eliminate Hedge Fund Tax Break
Description: The House passed a bill on Friday that would end a tax break for executives of investment funds, leaving hedge funds, private equity firms and venture capitalists scrambling to ease the effects of the bill before it is taken up by the Senate next month. Source: NYTimes.com  Date: 05/28/2010 Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/29/business/29carried.html?ref=business Questions for… Read more »
Euro Hit By German Proposals to Ban Shorts
Description: Germany’s unilateral plan to stop short-selling doesn’t look well thought out. Dow Jones Newswires’ Mark Cranfield reports. Source: Marketwatch.com – video report  Date: 05/19/2010 Link: http://www.marketwatch.com/video/asset/euro-hit-by-german-proposals-to-ban-shorts/1A26355B-337A-4DF9-91DB-8E8047F8536B Questions for discussion: Summarize the positive impact that this ban is expected to have on markets? What negative impact is also possible? Given these considerations, is the… Read more »
