Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2009

Keywords

financial regulation, public bond markets, indenture trustee, liability, mortgage-backed securities

Abstract

This essay, prepared for a University of Cambridge conference on ‘Principles Versus Rules in Financial Regulation’, posits a new issue in that debate. Although principles-based regulation is thought to more closely achieve normative goals than rules, the extent to which that occurs can depend on the enforcement regime. A person who is subject to unpredictable liability is likely to hew to the most conservative interpretation of the principle, especially where that person would be a potential deep pocket in litigation. This creates a paradox: unless protected by a regime enabling one in good faith to exercise judgment without fear of liability, such a person will effectively act as if subject to a rule and, even worse, an unintended rule.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Trust indentures, Mortgage-backed securities, Liability (Law), Bond market, Public finance

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