“We are very concerned that [Sharon] Bowen, much like Tim Massad who has been nominated to be Chairman, lacks both significant experience in the derivatives and commodity markets that the CFTC oversees, and any public record as a champion of reform in these markets. We expect that Senators will have many tough questions to ask as they consider the set of CFTC nominations before them in the New Year.”
In a letter to Congress, AFR urges members not to let potential international trade and investment agreements, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) or the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP), undermine hard-fought gains in financial reform, and not to compromise U.S. sovereignty in ways that would limit our ability to take further steps to regulate the financial sector.
“[W]e are troubled by the narrow scope of the Release and some of the assumptions underlying it. AFR believes that the Commission needs to consider the broader costs and benefits to the public of permitting ever-increasing speed and ubiquity of automated trading technologies. We believe that such an analysis would support stronger limitations on automated trading than appear to be contemplated…”
“In arbitration, there is no publicly accountable judge, jury, or right to an appeal. The arbitrators do not have to follow the facts or the law, and there is no public review of decisions to ensure the arbitrator got it right. Moreover, contracts typically name the arbitration firm that must be used—the one preferred by the company.”
AFR and more than 15 public interest groups signed a letter calling for swift implementation of mortgage reforms.
“The strength of the rule is the scope of the compliance regime,’ said Marcus Stanley, policy director of Americans for Financial Reform. “The regulators correctly realized that most proprietary trading is hidden within supposedly innocent activities like hedging or market making.”
“After years of consideration, the five agencies charged with implementing the Volcker Rule have reached agreement. This is an important step forward in financial reform. The final rule reflects hard work by champions of the rule within the regulatory agencies, the Administration, Congress, and the public-interest community… [But] today’s approval is only one step toward realizing the promise of the Volcker Rule.”
“Mel Watt’s confirmation as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency is heartening news for American families and communities… Under his leadership, the FHFA can be a help rather than a hindrance in efforts to deal with the foreclosure crisis, assist homeowners, and ensure broad access to sustainable and affordable credit.”
Joint letter urges Senators to cosponsor Sen. Elizabeth Warren’s bill, which would bar employers from using credit checks in hiring and promotion decisions. “Not only does this practice discriminate against the long-term unemployed, it has a disparate impact on communities of color and people with disabilities and constitutes an unwarranted invasion into job seekers’ personal lives.”
AFR sent a letter to members of Congress urging that they Oppose HR 1105 , the “Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act.” Contrary to its title, this bill is not designed to benefit small business. Instead, it would exempt private equity fund advisors from basic reporting requirements designed to allow regulators to monitor systemic risk in the financial system and protect investors and the public.