Policy Forum 

# Did a Lack of Consumer Protection Cause the Financial Crisis? 

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Date and Time 

March 16, 2010 12 - 2 PM EDT 

Location 

Auditorium/Wintergarden 

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##### Featuring 

Featuring **Janis Bowdler**, National Council of La Raza; **Thomas Durkin**, Former Economist, Federal Reserve Board; **Ed Mierzwinski**, U.S. PIRG; and **Todd Zywicki**, George Mason University School of Law. Moderated by **Mark A. Calabria**, Director, Financial Regulation Studies, Cato Institute. 

There is likely no issue more contentious in the debate over the causes of the recent financial crisis and the appropriate response other than “consumer protection.” The question of whether credit was too cheap or too expensive (or predatory) is at the heart of the differing narratives of the crisis. Panelists will examine these opposing narratives and debate the merits and substance of proposed consumer protections in our financial markets, including the creation of a Consumer Finance Product Agency.

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