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Washington Roundup

Dodd-Frank might hold regulators back, former Fed official says
The Dodd-Frank Act might hinder U.S. regulators, including the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., from intervening during financial crises, said Donald Kohn, former vice chairman of the Fed. Investors "don't realize the extent to which Congress has tied people's hands," he said. "There is less room to maneuver for the authorities." Bloomberg(11/22)

Regulators face increased scrutiny over financial crisis
Bankers, homeowners, policymakers, investors and others have been blamed for contributing to the global financial crisis. Now, a bank executive is pointing the finger at his firm's regulator. Michael W. Perry, former chief executive officer at IndyMac Bancorp, claims that a top official at the Office of Thrift Supervision not only approved, but also directed an action at the center of regulatory allegations against Perry and the bank. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)(11/22)

Fed gives some investors and analysts inside information
The Federal Reserve routinely provides select analysts and investors access to officials that gives them advance indication of policy changes. Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William Dudley said these nonpublic discussions might give the impression that the U.S. central bank gives well-connected investors an advantage over others, but he defended the practice. The Wall Street Journal(11/23)