The Obama administration wants to avoid playing an activist role as a bank shareholder after its stress tests, relying instead on regulators to drive the restructuring of weaker institutions, officials have told the Financial Times.
The US plan for a relatively passive governmental role contrasts with the approach that has been taken by the British government in managing its shareholdings in wholly and part-nationalised banks such as Northern Rock and Royal Bank of Scotland.
It would also mark a contrast with the actions that the Obama administration has taken as a condition of providing further support to troubled automakers Chrysler and General Motors – such as the vetting of business plans.