Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/are-financial-institutions-exe Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Are Financial Institutions Exempt from Antitrust Laws? Economy Mar 5, 2010 12:26 PM EDT Question: Given the current size and concentration of financial activities in the hands of few financial institutions, wouldn’t antitrust laws apply to their activities? Are financial institutions exempt from anti-trust laws? Paul Solman: No, they’re not. But remember, the government has been actively CREATING bigger institutions, merging smaller ones into them (Wachovia into Wells Fargo; Merrill Lynch and Countrywide into Bank of America; etc.). A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
Question: Given the current size and concentration of financial activities in the hands of few financial institutions, wouldn’t antitrust laws apply to their activities? Are financial institutions exempt from anti-trust laws? Paul Solman: No, they’re not. But remember, the government has been actively CREATING bigger institutions, merging smaller ones into them (Wachovia into Wells Fargo; Merrill Lynch and Countrywide into Bank of America; etc.). A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now