Do More With Reuters
Partner Services

BofA says legislative, regulatory risks growing

Sat Nov 7, 2009 5:17am IST
 
Email | Print | | Single Page
[-] Text [+]

* Says both "create significant uncertainty"

* BofA adds oversight, legislation to business risks

* Concerns about effects on BofA's business rising

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov 6 (Reuters) - Bank of America Corp (BAC.N: Quote, Profile, Research) said on Friday that mounting legislative and regulatory pressure may hurt its business, a rare move for a large public company that signals how the changing landscape for banks worries management.

In Bank of America's third quarter report filed on Friday, the company listed legislative and regulatory pressures as a new risk factor that investors should be aware of.

The bank faces particular regulatory pressure because it has received two bailouts from the United States, totaling $45 billion, while most banks have only received one.

Public companies typically only identify new risk factors at the end of the year when they post their annual reports. That is the only time they are required by securities law to do so, said Brink Dickerson, an Atlanta-based securities attorney with Troutman Sanders LLP.

"The bank must have concluded the total impact of the regulation and pro-consumer legislation that's out there will be significant," Dickerson added.

The Charlotte, North Carolina-based bank voiced concerns ranging from legislation to overhaul both the credit card industry and overdraft fees, to increased regulatory scrutiny and U.S. pay czar compensation curbs.  Continued...

India Investment Summit 2009
India Investment Summit 2009

Top executives and bankers discuss their own plans and the broader opportunities and challenges for India.  Full Coverage 

GLOBAL RECOVERY

A labourer works on a flyover bridge at a construction site in New Delhi October 14, 2009. REUTERS/Parth Sanyal/Files
Global economy in holding pattern - IMF

The global economy is in a holding pattern and vulnerable to more upheaval, the head of the IMF said, adding a lasting recovery will depend on policymakers taking the proper steps in the coming months.  Full Article 

Market Update

  • IndiaIndia
  • USUS
  • UKUK
  • Asia
  • Most Actives

BLOGS

Photo
Calculated Move

Reliance aims big with $12 bln bid for LyondellBasell.  Blog 

showcase

U.S. Recession
U.S. Recession

A trip through the epicenters of the American recession.  Full Coverage 

 
Central Banks Cautious
Central Banks Cautious

Reuters tracks the policies of the world's top central banks as the debate over global economic recovery rages on.   Full Coverage 

 
T P Raman
Column - RBI leads the world

Reserve Bank of India's approach ring-fenced the banking system.   Full Article 

 
Funding Blues
Funding Blues

A popular tactic used by Indian brokerages to raise money for rich clients is likely to be banned.  Full Article 

 
Not Enough Jobs
Not Enough Jobs

Venture capital creates jobs, but not enough.  Full Article 

 
Column - A Sweet Dream
Column - A Sweet Dream

There are good reasons for Ferrero to consider a combination with Cadbury.  Full Article