I explain the key failure mechanics of large dealer banks, and some policy implications. This is not a review of the financial crisis of 2007–2009. Systemic risk is considered only in passing. Both the financial crisis and the systemic...

Banks that enjoyed generous external financial support tended to under-price risk in theinternational syndicated loan market and did not show signs of innovation in their loanparticipations. Loans arranged by such banks had on average lower spreads (controlling forrisk and other characteristics)...