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...

Dubai Debt Fears

Villas are seen on the The Palm, Jumeirah, with Atlantis, The Palm, under construction on the breakwater (crescent), May 3, 2008.  REUTERS/Jumana El Heloueh

Banks outside the Gulf played down their exposure to Dubai debt, after fears the emirate could default and even derail world economic recovery prompted a sell-off in global markets.  Full Article | Slideshow 

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 

People stroll outside the Taj Mahal hotel ahead of the first anniversary of the militant attacks in Mumbai, November 24, 2009.  REUTERS/Punit Paranjpe
Investors worry about another attack

The risk of militants striking again worries investors who fear that a second attack similar to last year's Mumbai raids could shake the economy.  Full Article | Full Coverage 

Market Update

  • IndiaIndia
  • USUS
  • UKUK
  • Asia
  • Most Actives

road to Copenhagen

BLOGS

Photo
Calculated Move

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

SHOWCASE

Capital Raising
Capital Raising

Analysis - China banks' rush for billions could trip markets.  Full Article 

 
Photo
Bonus Payout

"Bonus" has become a dirty word on Wall Street.  Full Article 

 
Bubble trouble?
Bubble trouble?

With the BSE Sensex at around 17,000 points, are the Indian equity markets looking at a possible bubble?   Commentary 

 
Funding Blues
Funding Blues

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

 
Recovery Path
Recovery Path

Indian techie logging out of downturn gloom.  Full Article 

 
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 

 
Risky Proposal
Risky Proposal

Rupert Murdoch courts trouble if he blocks Google on news.  Full Article