While ECRC conferences took place in Brussels, London and Hamburg this year without participation of high ranking EU-officials and fading support from the banking industry, the supplier side now hosts its 9th conference in Brussels on Februrary 10, 2011. Since the second workshop is dedicated to "Re-regulation" ECRC is very much concerned that the quite timid prospects of a come back for social and consumer protection in financial services after the icy wind of the last decade may be buried under a mountain of arguments that bankers again need freedom and high pay to fulfill Adam Smith's commitment for the general good through pure profit seeking. Presently all European welfare states have reallocated their investments from their original task to upholding a nearly bankrupt money system. They should at least be given a word when high politician discuss the future of this highly subsidised area of the economy which for the poor still praises self-reliance and social autonomy.

ECRC has named two representatives to follow this conference. We will report on it next year.

Forum Europe’s EU Financial Services Conference – 10 Feb 2011 - Programme now available

www.eu-ems.com/agenda.asp?event_id=63&page_id=434