
In "The End of Alchemy," former Bank of England Governor Mervyn King reveals why our financial system remains dangerously unstable. What radical reform could prevent the next global meltdown? Translated worldwide, this 2016 masterpiece makes complex banking accessible through Dickensian storytelling.
Siente el libro a través de la voz del autor
Convierte el conocimiento en ideas atractivas y llenas de ejemplos
Captura ideas clave en un instante para un aprendizaje rápido
Disfruta el libro de una manera divertida y atractiva
What began as a seemingly contained problem in American subprime mortgages in 2007 quickly cascaded into the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. At its core lay a profound truth: our entire financial system rests upon a form of alchemy-the magical transformation of risky, illiquid assets into seemingly safe, liquid liabilities. This beautiful deception has powered centuries of economic growth while containing the seeds of its own destruction. Banking's fundamental vulnerability stems from two problems. First, banks operate with minimal equity cushions, meaning small losses can threaten deposits. Second, bank runs are self-fulfilling-if depositors suspect trouble, rational behavior dictates withdrawing funds immediately, potentially collapsing the entire system. This isn't just about individual bank risk but systemic fragility. Imagine 100 banks each engaging in just six months of maturity transformation, collectively creating a system where demand deposits fund 50-year investments. Regulators examining each bank individually might miss this massive system-wide vulnerability. The crisis exposed how deeply we misunderstand money-that familiar yet mysterious force that powers our daily lives. Money evolved from commodity exchange when specialization created the need for trade. Without a "double coincidence of wants," barter proved inefficient, leading to various mediums of exchange-from grain in ancient Egypt to cowrie shells in Asia to standardized coins by 250 BC. For money to function effectively, its purchasing power must remain stable, requiring trust in the issuer-trust that has been repeatedly violated throughout history.
Desglosa las ideas clave de The End of Alchemy en puntos fáciles de entender para comprender cómo los equipos innovadores crean, colaboran y crecen.
Destila The End of Alchemy en pistas de memoria rápidas que resaltan los principios clave de franqueza, trabajo en equipo y resiliencia creativa.

Experimenta The End of Alchemy a través de narraciones vívidas que convierten las lecciones de innovación en momentos que recordarás y aplicarás.
Pregunta lo que quieras, elige la voz y co-crea ideas que realmente resuenen contigo.

Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco
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Creado por exalumnos de la Universidad de Columbia en San Francisco

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