Can the Plight of the European Banking Structural Reforms be a Blessing in Disguise?

Abstract One of the problems perceived to be at heart global financial crisis was an amalgamation various commercial and investment banking activities under one entity, as well interconnectedness entities with other institutions, funds, shadow system. This paper focuses on measures that aim structurally separate their core functions from riskier such (proprietary) trading or investments in alternative funds. Although structural reforms EU, UK, US have taken different forms, common denominator is separation certain securities market activities. Having reviewed arguments for against varieties major jurisdictions, including US, France, Germany, argues a more nuanced approach introducing EU level warranted. Given structures across Atlantic lack conclusive evidence beneficial impact reforms, concludes withdrawal proposal by European Commission has been prudent move. It seems absence concrete evidence, experimenting Member-State would less costly provide opportunities learning smaller experiments could pave way optimal future.