Statement by Sheila C. Bair, Former Chair of the FDIC and Chair of the Systemic Risk Council

“I applaud the federal banking agencies for finalizing a strong simple leverage ratio to work in tandem with the more complex risk-based standard. These tougher capital rules will enhance the durability of our economic recovery and buttress the ability of our nation’s largest financial institutions to meet the credit needs of the real economy. This simple requirement will help ensure that these institutions have a more robust cushion against losses and stand ready to lend even when markets change.  This in turn will protect markets, shareholders, and taxpayers.”