Summary

How can the world avoid repetition of the catastrophic financial instability currently plaguing the global economy? With the aim of restoring a strong framework for economic governance, this study proposes new rules of the game--imposed through the Group of 20 and the IMF--for the macroeconomic and exchange rate policies of the main players, including the United States.

The authors advocate stricter prudential rules for banks, centered around the introduction of a simple leverage ratio calculated with reference to total assets, with no exemptions or risk mitigation. The book warns against the risk of a massive wave of new regulation that is not needed and might cripple capital markets for years, calling instead for a simplification and a better enforcement of rules. In short, the message, as reflected in the title, is: "Keep it simple."