http://www.economist.com/  Reported here by: SPMG, 6 August 2009

http://voxeu.org/ Reported here by: SPMG, 4 August 2009 

Bank bonuses have been blamed for contributing to the crisis, and regulators and politicians are now demanding changes in compensation arrangements. Most of these calls are based on a misconception of the nature of financial risk, an inflated view of the efficacy of risk models, and an incorrect view of the incentive issues facing financial institutions. This column proposes reforms that would discipline senior managers by exposing them to the dangers of junior managers’ risk taking. 

http://voxeu.org/  Reported here by: SPMG, 3 August 2009 

There is a strong consensus that banks had insufficient reserves set aside for a rainy day and that they should be required to hold more capital. This column says we should differentiate institutions less by what they are called and more by how they are funded. Encouraging individual risks to flow to those who can absorb them would make the system safer and introduce new players with risk capacities. 

http://voxeu.org/ Reported here by: SPMG, 3 August 2009

Banking sectors worldwide are still suffering from the effects of the financial crisis. This column presents a plan of how governments can efficiently relieve ailing banks of toxic assets by transferring them into bad banks, an idea that is gaining popularity.

http://www.demos.co.uk/  Reported here by: SPMG, 3 August 2009 

With the incidence of anxiety, insecurity and fear likely to increase and with trust in institutions low, dreams acquire a new importance. Dreams and wishes can represent an untapped source of strength as well as creativity in imagining new alternatives and lifestyles for the future. This new research took place in streets, homes, playgrounds and social clubs in areas selected on the basis of their historical diversity, the backgrounds of their residents, their size and their location. The wishes of the UK nation paint a picture of generosity, pragmatism and hope for the future. 

http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ Reported here by: SPMG, 3 August 2009

Businesses, the government and third sector need to develop stronger and more innovative partnerships to provide real and practical help for communities at risk of fracture due to the recession, a report published today by an independent taskforce claims.

http://voxeu.org/ Reported here by: SPMG, 2 August 2009 

Many blame executive compensation for encouraging shortsighted risk-taking. This column argues that compensation should be structured so as to provide incentives consistent with the firm’s position and long-term interest. It proposes “incentive accounts” that it says would be superior to existing compensation schemes. 

http://www.archbishopofyork.org/ Reported here by: SPMG, 18 July 2009

 Delivering theTemple Address the Archbishop has said the current economic crisis poses fundamental questions for society: “The woes of our current economic climate will bring many challenges over the coming years. Increasing redundancy, home repossessions and a recession will create an economic climate in which the economic givens of recent years can no longer be taken for granted. However alongside these challenges, will be opportunities for re-considering the purposes of our economic wealth”.

http://www.thetablet.co.uk/  Reported here by: SPMG, 18 July 2009

In an economic downturn who will people trust as as their leaders - those with experience, or those with intuition, self confidence or sheer luck?