The Ethics of Banking analyzes the systemic and the ethical mistakes that led to the crisis. It keeps the middle ground between excusing all failures by the argument of a systemic crisis not to be taken responsibility for by the financial managers and the moralistic reproach that only moral failure is at the origin of the crisis. It investigates the role of speculation in the formation of the crisis and distinguishes between productive speculation for hedging and for securing market liquidity on the one hand, and unproductive and even detrimental hyper-speculation going far beyond of the degree of speculation that is necessary in a developed economy for the liquidity of financial markets, on the other hand. Hyper-speculation has increased the risks of the financial system and is still doing so.

The global financial crisis evidenced the corrosive effects of unethical behaviour upon the banking industry. The recurrence of misbehaviour in the financial sector, including fraud and manipulations of market indices, suggests the need to establish a banking culture that conforms to the highest standards of ethical and professional behaviour. This Research Handbook on Law and Ethics in Banking and Finance focuses on the role that law should play and the effectiveness of newly introduced regulations and supervisory actions as a driver for ethical conduct so as to reconnect the interests of bankers and financiers with the interests of society.

The solution to the uninhibited lending that was commonplace before the financial crisis has been to introduce tighter regulation to ensure robustness within banks. However, this solution has overlooked the underlying problem of ethical failure in the industry. In the wake of numerous bank collapses, many survivors continue in unprincipled conduct because ethical virtues have not been instilled. This book investigates the ethical basis of banking practice. It explores the conflict between the interests of banks and their customers, and how this conflict plays out in relation to the lending policies and fee structures of banks. Where such lending policies have a significant effect on banks, their customers and a range of stakeholders, the author investigates the views of leading bankers on their lending practices. The author then goes on to debate the events of the global financial crisis from a moral perspective, and argues that ethical failure triggered the American sub-prime calamities which have devastated homeowners and the global economy. The book argues that American banks and regulators both operated on the erroneous supposition that the quest after extreme profits would be restrained by free market forces. Where banks have a central role and importance in all commerce and hence in all societies, the author concludes by revealing a set of virtues that are necessary for banks to espouse moral conduct. He suggests that these virtues can be embedded through leadership and cultural change, with the aim of developing an account of the virtues appropriate to bankers and banking.

Banks are frequently considered usurers. Is it possible to talk about ethics when you analyse banking activity? This book focuses on this question and starts with the history and the philosophy. Philosophers like Aristotle, Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill proposed different theories about the need for ethics in finance. If we accept Mill's thought, the production of wealth in society is driven by the personal pursuit of profit. But - unfortunately - this does not, on its own, ensure collective well-being. It must be guided by a superior mechanism which transforms it into wealth for all. This introduces the role of financial institutions, which often have to comply with legal obligations. The book focuses on the role that these institutions have in supporting the ‘ethical’ use of money. The author analyses a number of cases in banks and the financial industry and discusses topics like anti-money laundering, anti-usury, islamic finance, microcredit and bank rescue systems, including not only best practices but also examples of unethical financial management.

Endorsed by the Chartered Banker Institute as core reading for its professional qualifications, Culture, Conduct and Ethics in Banking emphasizes the importance of professionalism for banks, and explores how all staff play a key role in putting customers at the heart of their business. Taking an applied approach, it aims to develop the reader's capability to: recognize and contribute towards balanced outcomes for consumers and organizations; understand the impact of reputational deficit; and understand the personal impact of an individual in the workplace. From a discussion of the main branches of ethical thinking to an overview of regulation and legislation in the UK and internationally, this book covers the theory and practice of conduct and professionalism in banking. Chapters contain activities and industry case studies, and further reading and viewing suggestions are included to help develop a deeper understanding of the topics covered. With fully referenced discussion of conflicts of interest, decision making models, the role of professional bodies, corporate governance, conduct risk management and the Global Financial Crisis 2007-08, Culture, Conduct and Ethics in Banking is the essential guide for finance professionals.

The financial crisis focused unprecedented attention on ethics in investment banking. This book develops an ethical framework to assess and manage investment banking ethics and provides a guide to high profile concerns as well as day to day ethical challenges.

Ethics and Finance: An Introduction provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the ethical issues raised by modern finance. Drawing carefully on ethical theory and with frequent use of case studies, it includes an analysis of the global financial system and its regulation and control, as well as a detailed analysis of the financial crisis. Chapters on specific areas of finance practice cover all the major financial scandals of recent times, from mis-selling to market manipulation and from insider trading to bankers' bonuses, as well as much more positive developments. From micro finance to derivatives trading, the book provides a careful and balanced treatment designed to help finance students and practitioners approach this sensitive topic in a thoughtful and constructive way. No prior knowledge of ethics or finance is required, and the book will be invaluable to students, finance teachers, practitioners and regulators.

This award-winning book comprises multiple finance and ethics case studies. The purpose of the book is twofold. First, the case studies teach readers how to evaluate and determine resolutions to ethical issues in finance. Second, the reader will enjoy a journey with the author, a woman, over her years working in finance, through the use of case studies. Prefaced by the additional of video introductions, these studies focus on ethical issues in finance which the author encountered over nearly a 30-year career in the industry. There are 10 case studies extracted from different sectors of finance. This broad range is a consequence of the author’s experience from almost all sides of the business: the buy side, the sell side, equity research in Asia, equity sales, mutual funds, hedge funds, the finance academy, and consulting. Each case study has an engaging narrative describing the background, transactions, players, and ethical issues. The ethical issue is analyzed and resolved using the appropriate theories of moral philosophy. Descriptions and analyses are rigorous yet comprehensible, approachable, and entertaining. Apart from ethics determinations, the material in the book covers and explains a variety of specific, and even complex, financial transactions. In every transaction there is an explanation of the roles of various players involved. In this way, readers will learn about the work of people in different positions in finance from investment bankers and equity traders to portfolio managers and equity analysts. Through these case studies, readers also will get an understanding of major financial transactions and activities such as IPOs, secondary offerings, equity trading, and equity valuations. The book will appeal to practitioners, college and high school students, and lecturers who can use it to supplement courses in finance or business ethics.

This book explores the vital role of ethics in the banking sector, emphasising the necessity of integrity, transparency, and accountability in every aspect of banking operations. Drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Thiruvalluvar's couplet from Thirukkural—"Ethics is the road to wealth and goodwill"—this book underscores the enduring relevance of ethical principles in business and financial services. It comprehensively examines how ethics can foster trust, enhance reputation, and drive sustainable growth in financial institutions. This book is helpful for practising bankers, financial professionals, and institutions seeking a deeper understanding of ethics in banking. The Present Publication is the 2024 Edition, revised and updated by Mr Atul Kumar | Former Chief Ethics Officer – SBI. Taxmann exclusively publishes this book for the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance with the following noteworthy features: • [Importance of Ethics in Banking] The book discusses the critical role of ethics in banking, highlighting how ethical behaviour forms the cornerstone of public trust and institutional reputation. It outlines how ethics drive sustainable growth and stability, emphasising that honest, fair, and transparent practices are not just regulatory requirements but also business imperatives • [Application of Ethical Principles] It covers applying ethical principles at various operational levels—individual, organisational, and market. It discusses the ethical responsibilities of banking professionals and institutions, including the importance of ethical leadership, corporate governance, and adherence to social responsibility norms. It illustrates these principles with real-world examples, making the content both relevant and actionable • [Contemporary Ethical Issues] This book addresses modern challenges in banking ethics, such as integrating ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, the ethical implications of digital transformation, data privacy concerns, and the latest regulatory changes, including Fintech and the Digital India Act. It analyses how banks can navigate these challenges while maintaining ethical standards • [Case Studies and Practical Insights] The book includes a wide array of case studies that provide practical insights into ethical dilemmas faced by banks and financial institutions. From high-profile cases like the Equifax Data Breach and the LIBOR Scandal to scenarios involving workplace ethics and regulatory compliance, these case studies provide valuable lessons on navigating ethical challenges in the banking industry The book adopts a modular approach, ensuring a coherent and logical flow of content across its four modules, which are as follows: • Module A – Understanding Ethics o Overview of Ethics – Provides a comprehensive introduction to ethics, covering its evolution, dimensions, and relevance in human actions, governance, and business. It emphasises the connection between ethics, law, and religion, highlighting how these elements collectively contribute to a well-governed and ethical banking environment o Ethics in Business and Banking – Provides an integrated perspective on business ethics and banking, discussing the foundational role of trust in finance and analysing ethical theories and their applications in banking scenarios. This module also includes significant case studies, such as the Enron scandal and the lessons from global financial crises o Learning and Application – Includes practical exercises like 'Check Your Progress' and 'Exercise Your Ethics Muscle,' along with real-world case studies such as the Equifax Data Breach and dilemmas in ethical decision-making • Module B – Different Operational Levels of Ethics in Banking o Individual Ethics – Focuses on personal integrity, values, and moral reasoning at the individual level. It discusses ethical dilemmas and the framework for making ethical decisions, providing insights into how personal ethics influence professional conduct o Organisational Ethics – Examines ethics at the organisational level, covering customer relationships, marketing practices, employee conduct, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). It emphasises the importance of ethical leadership, fostering an ethical culture, and aligning business practices with societal expectations o Market-Level Ethics – Discusses the broader ethical dimensions of banking, including corporate governance, environmental ethics, and the ethical challenges of globalisation. It addresses how banks can integrate ESG factors into their operations to enhance sustainability and public trust o Practical Insights – Real-world examples, such as the LIBOR Scandal and insider trading, illustrate the operational risks and ethical challenges faced by banks, providing valuable guidance on managing these issues • Module C – Workplace Ethics and an Ethical Organisation o Workplace Ethics – Explores the dynamics of ethical behaviour in the workplace, including the benefits of ethical practices and the consequences of lapses. It covers topics like whistleblowing, ethical training, and the impact of organisational culture on ethical decision-making o Building Ethical Organisations – Provides strategies for building ethical organisations, including developing ethics programs, the role of top management and board members in ethical leadership, and the establishment of ethics committees. It discusses the ethics-performance linkage and the balance between short-term objectives and long-term ethical goals o Changing Dynamics – Examines the evolving nature of banking ethics in the digital age, addressing issues such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethical implications of technological advancements. It includes discussions on digital trust and the integration of ethics into digital banking o Case Studies – Cases like Wells Fargo's unethical practices and the role of whistleblowing in banks provide contemporary examples of ethical challenges in the workplace • Module D – Wider Aspects of Ethics in Practice o Corporate Governance and Ethical Dimensions – Highlights the importance of ethics in corporate governance, discussing principles of good governance, the institutional framework, and the role of ethical leadership in preventing corporate misconduct. It addresses global standards and the impact of governance on financial stability and public trust o Environmental Ethics and Globalisation – Explores the ethical responsibilities of banks in environmental management and sustainable finance. It covers critical topics like climate change, the transition to a low-carbon economy, and the role of banks in promoting environmental stewardship o Corruption | Bribery | White-Collar Crime – Provides an in-depth analysis of corruption, bribery, and white-collar crime, discussing their impact on the banking sector and strategies for combating these issues through the promotion of ethical leadership and accountability o A Holistic Approach to Ethics – Concludes with a holistic view of ethics, integrating various perspectives and providing a roadmap for fostering an ethical culture in banking. It emphasises the importance of accountability, the role of ethical norms, and the generational differences in ethical perspectives o Practical Case Studies – Includes diverse case studies on corruption, environmental ethics, and corporate governance, such as the Bhopal Disaster and the challenges of globalisation, to illustrate the broader implications of ethical practices in banking

The first book ever to integrate business ethics with financial economics, Finance Ethics shows how ethical behavior fits within the rational, profit-maximizing, finance paradigm. Dobson argues that even in economic terms the finance paradigm has a serious flaw: it views the firm and financial markets in general as contractual nexuses yet it fails to supply any adequate mechanisms for enforcing those contractual relations. Finance Ethics is therefore not just a moral critique of the finance paradigm, arguing that self-interested profit making must be constrained by ethics. Rather, it is a critique from within that paradigm, in which truth becomes a rational mechanism to enforce contracts, and virtuous behavior is shown to make the most business sense.