"Of all the many ways of organising banking, the worst is the one we have today."
About Mervyn King
Mervyn King — Life and Legacy
Mervyn King served as the Governor of the Bank of England from 2003 to 2013, a period marked by significant financial turmoil. His leadership during the 2008 financial crisis showcased his commitment to monetary stability and the importance of proactive policy measures. King’s insights often reflect a deep understanding of the complexities of economic systems, as evidenced by his assertion that 'the economy is a complex system.' This perspective emphasizes the need for nuanced approaches to economic challenges, rather than simplistic solutions. In his discussions on central bank independence, King argues that it is essential for maintaining credibility and effective monetary policy. He believes that transparency in the actions of central banks fosters trust and allows for better public understanding of economic decisions. His emphasis on learning from crises underscores the idea that past failures can inform future policies, creating a more resilient economic framework. Today, Mervyn King's quotes resonate with policymakers and economists alike, as they navigate the ongoing challenges of economic governance. His thoughts on risk and innovation highlight the delicate balance required to foster growth while ensuring stability, making his insights invaluable in contemporary economic discourse.
Quote collection
Mervyn King quotes
8 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Global market forces will sort out those companies that do not have sound corporate governance."
"When banks extend loans to their customers, they create money by crediting their customers’ accounts."
"To set aside one’s prejudices, one’s present needs, and one’s own self interest in making a decision as a director for a company is an intellectual exercise that takes constant practice. In short, intellectual honesty is a journey and not a destination."
"Banks have come to realize in the recent crisis that they are paying the price for having designed compensation packages which provide incentives that are not, in the long run, in the interests of the banks themselves, and I would like to think that would change."
"There is no reason products and services could not be swapped directly by consumers and producers through a system of direct exchange – essentially a massive barter economy. All it requires is some commonly used unit of account and adequate computing power to make sure all transactions could be settled immediately. People would pay each other electronically, without the payment being routed through anything that we would currently recognize as a bank. Central banks in their present form would no longer exist – nor would money."
"When I was a graduate student at Harvard, I learned about showers and central heating. Ten years later, I learned about breakfast meetings. These are America's three great contributions to civilization."
"The underlying intellectual argument for seeking to tax economic rents retains its force."