As a consultant to community banks, I was excited when Glass-Steagall was repealed in 1999. I saw it as an opportunity for community banks to offer additional services to their current customers and to find additional revenue sources to build value for their owners. What I didn't see was how the large banks would be able to leverage FDIC insured deposits to make risky investments in CDO's and CMO's that would ultimately lead to the financial meltdown nine years later. Read more... 

Before 2010 begins in earnest, you may find it helpful to take one last look at important tax developments that occurred during 2009 to see what impact they may have on next year's tax strategies. To help, we have prepared a list of 2009 tax developments, selected from the perspective of their importance to you in 2010. Some of the developments on the list are ongoing, with endings yet to be written. With other developments, the law is firmly established, although application of some of them to New Year transactions may remain somewhat uncertain. In all cases, they are notable for their potential to play an important role in 2010 and beyond.  Read more...