Regulation

Ring-fencing architects say rule ‘undoubtedly’ made banks safer

Regulatory experts hope government does not undo the protections put in place between dealmakers and savers

Wednesday 1 February 2023 at 16:39

Keith Skeoch (L) and John Vickers (R) appeared in front of MPs on 1 February in a hearing on banking regulation
Keith Skeoch (L) and John Vickers (R) appeared in front of MPs on 1 February in a hearing on banking regulation Photo: Simon Dawson/Getty Images, Fisher Studios

Two key architects of bank ring-fencing in the UK said the rules had "undoubtedly" made the sector safer, despite protests from some lenders.

Amid the UK's plans to press ahead with its so-called Edinburgh reforms to free up the City post-Brexit, Sir Keith Skeoch and Sir John Vickers gave evidence on 1 February to the influential Treasury committee, which is investigating whether the time is right to relax banking regulations.