The Law of National Guaranteed Banks in Argentina (1887-1890): Free Banking Failure or Regulatory Failure?

Abstract

Among the cited historical cases of free banking is the National Law of Guaranteed Banks in Argentina (1887-1890), a system which proved to be unstable. This historical case presents relevant risks that are attributed to free banking, the absence of proper regulation and a formal lender of last resort. As guaranteed banks vigorously expanded the money supply, they ultimately created a banking crisis.

The law, however, imposed very specific, though inefficient, requirements and regulations on money and banking. These regulations changed the economic incentives altogether and created a dangerous dynamic that was the real cause of the crisis. The Law of National Guaranteed Banks, then, is not a failed historical experiment of free banking but, rather, a failure to effectively regulate the market.

Keywords: guaranteed banks, free banking

JEL Classification: G28, N16, N26