The failure of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers; the recent Congressional bailout of AIG, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac; the incessant search for new capital to offset mortgage-related losses by once-thriving financial institutions; the seizing up of credit markets; and the increasing stockpiles of vacant and abandoned housing have collectively caused one of the worst financial crisis since the end of World War II.

How did these events happen? What does it mean for the future of the world economy? What corrective policies have been put in place? Does more need to be done by Congress and federal and state regulators? This symposium will gather experts from academia, the financial services sector, consumer groups, Capitol Hill, journalism, unions, and regulatory institutions to provide answers to each of these questions.

Schedule

2008
Friday, October 3rd
8:45 AM

The Housing Crisis and Early Solutions

Lisa M. Fairfax, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
Christine Hurt, University of Illinois College of Law
Ann Kappler, Fannie Mae
Kathleen C. Ryan, Federal Reserve Board
David Smith, U.S. House Committee on Financial Services

8:45 AM - 10:30 AM
10:45 AM

The Financial Infrastructure

Michael Greenberger, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
Alan L. Beller, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Paula Dubberly, Securities & Exchange Commission
José M. Gabilondo, College of Law, Florida International University

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
12:15 PM

Meltdown and Impact on the Economy

Karen H. Rothenberg, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
Thomas E. Pérez, Maryland Dept of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
Ira Rheingold, National Association of Consumer Advocates
Damon A. Silvers, AFL/CIO
Teresa Tritch, New York Times Editorial Board

12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
2:00 PM

The Role of Credit Agencies & Insurance and Closing Remarks

Michael Greenberger, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
Mark Cicirelli, Elliott Associates, LLP
Claire Hill, University of Minnesota Law School
David Reiss, Brooklyn Law School
Heather L. Slavkin, AFL-CIO Office of Investment
Ralph S. Tyler, Maryland Insurance Administration

2:00 PM - 3:45 PM