Abstract: This introductory chapter begins with a discussion of the proposed revision of the rules for the regulation of capital adequacy developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. It then describes the differences among financial institutions and the three ways to ensure adequate capital: market discipline, supervisory review of firm economic models used to determine capital, and command and control regulation. An overview of the chapters included in this volume is presented.

Keywords: financial institutions, market discipline, regulation, banking supervision, credit risk, operational risk, capital requirements,