Financial Institutions and Bankruptcy

20 Pages Posted: 18 Dec 2010 Last revised: 12 Oct 2011

Date Written: December 16, 2010

Abstract

The first part of this paper sketches the several existing systems for resolving financial distress in financial firms, including the new resolution authority created by the Dodd-Frank bill. By my count, there are at least six systems at work here, not counting state-by-state variations. I then examine the coverage of these systems, and the uncertainty created by the interaction of the same. For example, under current law, a large hedge fund would be “resolved” under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code – unless the newly created systemic risk counsel, a body dominated by people from outside the restructuring community, decides otherwise. This leaves it unclear to the fund’s counterparties which set of rules is incorporated into their contracts with the hedge fund. Undoubtedly both will be priced, with a further discount for the uncertainty. That is unlikely to be the optimal solution, and may increase systemic risk.

Keywords: Dodd-Frank, Resolution Authority, Chapter 11, Lehman, Financial Institutions

Suggested Citation

Lubben, Stephen J., Financial Institutions and Bankruptcy (December 16, 2010). Seattle University Law Review, Forthcoming, Seton Hall Public Law Research Paper No. 1726944, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1726944

Stephen J. Lubben (Contact Author)

Seton Hall Law School ( email )

One Newark Center
Newark, NJ 07102-5210
United States
973-642-8857 (Phone)

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