Much of the discussion during our current financial crisis revolves around whether certain institutions are "too big to fail." Forgotten in the wreckage, however, is the relative success of the community bank -- the small-scale "relationship" bank where individual savers and borrowers are members of the same community. In fact, the failure rate among big banks is eight times greater than among small banks so far this year.

This Thursday November 20th, the Asset Building program and the Washington Monthly will explore ways to encourage the health and number of small-scale financial institutions as a means of thwarting the tendency toward excessive consolidation in financial services and restoring a mutuality of interest between borrowers and lenders. Our own Ellen Seidman and Phil Longman will discuss the role of these institutions in climbing out of our current economic mess and preventing more trouble down the road. They will be joined by Doug McGray (Fellow, New America), Joshua Rosner, (Managing Director, Graham Fisher & Co), and Jan A. Miller (President & CEO, Wainwright Bank & Trust Company).

We hope you join us for what promises to be a lively discussion. Click here to RSVP.