Comptroller Urges Regulators To Remain Vigilant Before Next Downturn

Comptroller of the Currency Thomas J. Curry urged banking regulators to "remain vigilant" about maintaining reasonable levels of capital and liquidity that could cushion the blow in the next downturn.

In remarks at the Clearing House Annual Conference, Comptroller Curry highlighted lessons to be learned from the financial crisis:

• The Value of Strong Capital. Comptroller Curry asserted that after "six years of steady progress," the "banking system is now as well capitalized as at any time in professional memory." He acknowledged the criticism that capital requirements unduly restrict lending and limit economic growth, and recognized the criticism as a "legitimate policy question."