Banks’ physical commodity trading comes under scrutiny

Amid a review of a 2003 determination by the Federal Reserve, the involvement of US banks in physical commodities has come under fire from regulators, politicians and the media. Could they really be forced to exit physical trading? Alexander Osipovich reports

Oil barrels

During the last two weeks of July, many Wall Street executives were undoubtedly looking forward to a much-needed summer break. But instead, bank commodity chiefs found themselves engulfed in a maelstrom of criticism about their firms' involvement in physical commodities.

On July 19, the US Federal Reserve Board said it was reviewing a 2003 determination that permitted financial holding companies (FHCs) – a category of firm that includes the parent companies of most US investment banks, as well

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@risk.net or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.risk.net/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Risk.net? View our subscription options

Most read articles loading...

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Risk.net account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here