"In the following link, Barry Ritholtz reproduces a letter from the FDIC to its member banks. I am inclined to view the letter as a welcomed and significant show of strength.

"As always, thank you for your superb educative service."

David Fuller's view Many thanks for your kind words and what I also regard as a "welcomed" and enlightened article.

Barry Ritholz has come up with a very interesting idea on banking regulation, which he has spun into a 'back to the future' article. It is well worth reading but if you are pressed for time, here is the crunch ruling that he proposes:

3. Effective in 1 year from today, on May 23, 2016, we will no longer offer deposit insurance for any firm that engages in derivative trading, underwriting securities or engages in Investment banking.