The Honorable Martin J. Gruenberg

In this speech, Mr. Gruenberg reflects on the recurring themes in past financial crises and their implications for current and future financial stability. Drawing on experiences from the 1980s, the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, and the 2023 regional bank failures, he highlights the systemic risks posed by large, complex financial institutions and the growing influence of non-bank financial entities. He also underscores the need for vigilance in regulation, emphasizing the risks of new financial products, technologies, and evolving market actors that could threaten financial stability if not carefully managed.

Audience Takeaways:

• Common risks across past financial crises
• Stability risks associated with growth of non-bank financial institutions
• The importance of not becoming complacent
• Regulating new financial technologies and products

In this captivating and timely speech, Martin Gruenberg explores the FDIC’s regulatory approach to banks engaging in crypto-asset activities, emphasizing the need for sound risk management and regulatory compliance. He also delves into the evolving landscape of stablecoins, examining their potential benefits, risks, and policy challenges related to real-time consumer and business payments.

Audience Takeaways:

• Learn about the rise of stablecoins, their current use in crypto trading, and the challenges they face in becoming a reliable tool for broader payments.
• Gain insights into the regulatory concerns and policy questions surrounding the development of stablecoins for consumer and business transactions.

In this presentation, Martin Gruenberg examines the evolution of deposit insurance systems in the U.S. and Europe, offering insights from the U.S. experience to inform Europe’s efforts to establish a European Deposit Insurance Scheme (EDIS). He highlights the key challenges and benefits of a unified system, with a focus on how the U.S. model has supported financial stability and public trust since 1933.

Audience Takeaways:

• Understand the history and importance of deposit insurance in ensuring financial stability.
• Learn key challenges Europe faces in establishing a unified deposit insurance scheme.
• Explore how a single, robust deposit insurance system could strengthen financial stability and public confidence in Europe.

Martin Gruenberg is uniquely positioned to discuss the financial risks climate change poses to the banking system and its impact on financial regulation. He also touches upon the FDIC’s role in addressing these risks within its mission of ensuring financial stability and confidence.

Audience Takeaways:

• Understand the core financial risks of climate change and their potential impact on the banking system.
• Learn how the U.S.’s crucial government agency addresses climate-related financial risks and what it may look like down the road.

Martin Gruenberg calls upon his deep experience with banking regulations and financial stability in this presentation focusing on the Basel III capital framework, a crucial set of international banking standards designed to ensure the safety and soundness of financial institutions, especially in times of economic stress. He discusses why finalizing Basel III is essential for strengthening the U.S. banking system and enhancing the overall performance of the U.S. economy.

Audience Takeaways:

• Understand the importance of strong, high-quality capital in ensuring resilience in the banking system.
• Learn why finalizing Basel III is critical to U.S. financial stability and economic performance.
• Gain insights into the regulatory lessons learned from the 2008 financial crisis and its impact on banking practices.
• Explore key changes introduced under Basel III, including enhanced capital requirements and liquidity measures.
• Learn about the final phase of Basel III, focusing on addressing risks in credit, market, operational, and derivative markets.