The current banking system has a reputation for being somewhat corrupt and unable to manage the money deposited in its banks. A poorly functioning banking system invariably affects the entire economic system of a country. In this conference, Lawrence H. White explains how the free banking system works: what the role of banks is and how the public’s money is managed profitably. In other words, how freedom enables institutions to succeed. White explains that banks maintain reserves in their vaults to create confidence in their users. He also describes what happens when financial institutions fail to have sufficient reserves to liquidate the notes they have issued. Two contrasting views are presented to explain this scenario: free banking and central banking. Finally, White comments on the principal arguments against free banking. He explains the risks of bank runs, explaining why they occur and what banks can do to avoid them.

Versión en español La banca libre