The Principles of Banking, 2nd Edition

Foreword

Sharon Bowles

The first edition of this book was published in 2012 in the wake of the financial crisis and was hailed as the book every practitioner should have at their elbow, not least to remind them of the fundamental tenets that had been forgotten in the rapid expansion of wholesale markets.

At that time, I was embroiled in the legislative response to the financial crisis, having a key role as Chair of the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee of the European Parliament and negotiating the tsunami of EU financial legislation that followed the financial crisis. Meeting daily with Ministers, the Commission, Central Banks, regulators and industry, frequent thoughts on all sides were if only the banking basics had been followed; if only more attention had been given to the big picture; if only there had been a more thoughtful approach.

Now there is no excuse! The Principles of Banking enables everyone to access the big picture, individual specialisations, the thoughtful approach and to understand what happens in all parts of the system. Expressing matters in plain English, Moorad busts myths and fears, allowing you to think properly about concepts not fudged behind the latest jargon. Written with style it is a good read too!

Ten years on, as we wrestle with the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, Moorad has updated his book appraising the regulatory changes and new landscape. Like the original, it is a comprehensive walk through capital markets, assets, liability, ...