WASHINGTON — After refusing to answer questions for weeks about whether banks should be allowed to continue to operate as swaps dealers, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd quietly filed an amendment Tuesday that would give regulators the power to gut such a proposed ban.

WASHINGTON — Financial institutions are sounding the alarm over an amendment to the Senate bill that many initially deemed harmless but now see as threatening a key source of capital: trust-preferred securities.

When it comes to investing, many commercial banks, pension funds, endowments and other institutions are not sophisticated and need SEC protections.

The SEC, FINRA and national securities exchanges are proposing individual circuit-breakers for every stock available in the U.S.

After refusing to answer questions for weeks about whether banks should be allowed to continue to operate as swaps dealers, Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd quietly filed an amendment Tuesday that would give regulators the power to gut such a proposed ban.

Financial institutions are sounding the alarm over an amendment to the Senate bill that many initially deemed harmless but now see as threatening a key source of capital: trust-preferred securities.

The SEC, FINRA and national securities exchanges are proposing individual circuit-breakers for every stock available in the U.S. They would set in if a security price moves 10% or more in a five-minute period.

"I've been everywhere and seen everything and done everything...sophisticated, God, I'm sophisticated." -- Daisy Buchanan, The Great Gatsby

Warns of Details In Reform Bill

The Department of Labor is revising its guidance on investment advice in 401(k) plans by expanding its focus from independent advice to redefining fiduciary duty.

GE Funding Capital Market Services Inc., a subsidiary of General Electric Capital Corp., does not agree with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s plans to file charges against it in connection with an industry-wide investigation of guaranteed investment contracts and derivatives, but is discussing the matter, including a “potential resolution,” with SEC staff.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd took to the floor Thursday to beg his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stop adding more amendments, warning the process is in danger of spinning out of control.

After years of trying, Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., finally succeeded Thursday in passing a measure that would restrict interchange fees.

FINRA said it would continue to bar individuals who engage in deceit and theft.

GE Funding Capital Market Services Inc., a subsidiary of General Electric Capital Corp., does not agree with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s plans to file charges against it in connection with an industry-wide investigation of guaranteed investment contracts and derivatives, but is discussing the matter, including a “potential resolution,” with SEC staff.

Far from serving as the fall guy for the financial crisis, the central bank will emerge with its existing powers intact and enhanced authority over systemically risky companies if the current Senate bill becomes law.

The panel ruled in favor of Mesirow, but panel chairman Richard Belmonte wrote a one-sentence dissenting opinion, in which he said the award “is grossly contrary to the manifest weight of the evidence and the applicable Illinois law.”

Elena Kagan urged the high court to reject an endorsement of the Gartenberg standard.

Vanguard Chairman Emeritus Jack Brennan will represent mutual funds on joint committee.

While Senate leaders said they would like to complete a vote on regulatory reform legislation this week, that goal is looking increasingly unrealistic.