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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsCitigroup CEO Named To “Top Administration Post”
By Simon Johnson
Just a few short days ago, it looked like Citigroup was on the ropes. The companys proposal for redistributing capital back to shareholders was rejected by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Given the global banks repeated fiascos including most recently the theft of around $400 million from its Mexican unit it is hardly surprising that the Fed has said no (and for the second time in three years).
The idea that Citigroup might now or soon have a viable living will now seems preposterous. If top management cannot run sensible financial projections (thats the Feds view; see p.7 of the full report), what is the chance that they can lay out a plausible plan to explain how the company, operating in more than 100 countries worldwide, could be wound down through bankruptcy without any financial assistance from the government? According to the Dodd-Frank financial reform law, failure to submit a viable living will should result in remedial action by the authorities.
Such action has now been taken: CEO Michael Corbat has been named to a top White House job, with responsibility for helping to develop financial capability for young Americans.
But the White House announcement is dated March 27, 2014 (just as the failed stress test news was breaking) and it is their media team who use the term top administration post. Mr. Corbats new job has subsequently been confirmed by the Financial Services Roundtable (roundup email of 03/28/14), and no one knows more about the detailed relationship between Big Finance and government.
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http://baselinescenario.com/2014/04/01/citigroup-ceo-named-to-key-administration-post/
mindwalker_i
(4,407 posts)Because, it really sucks! The biggest problem in this country is the amount of power the rich and moneyed - and guess what, banks have money - have.
Wilms
(26,795 posts)Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)Remember the brewaha with Larry Summers,is this a payback? Smells like it,this White House is very Conservative when it comes to Banking and Education. And that my friends is a fact.
DanTex
(20,709 posts)I mean, we all know that members of the PACFCYA are the real secret overlords. "Top role" is putting it mildly! This is the pinnacle of unelected executive power!
This is HUGH!!! So big that it's been covered by exactly zero major media outlets!
Outrage! Obama, you corporate sellout!
GeorgeGist
(25,318 posts)the Realists will be along soon to explain why this is good for Main St.
hobbit709
(41,694 posts)bullwinkle428
(20,629 posts)I'm not sure whether to or .
rhett o rick
(55,981 posts)1000words
(7,051 posts)President Obama doesn't really want to do this, he has no choice.