BBC Radio 4 LW

The New Age of Capitalism

Documentaries

Factual

David Grossman tells ten stories which help explain the world of contemporary capitalism.

The New Age of Capitalism: Financialisation

the-new-age-of-capitalism_200918_e_el.jpg

20/09/2018

Financialisation

BBC Radio 4 - The New Age of Capitalism, Financialisation

Could the booming finance industry could threaten the wider economy?

Financial firms used to only do so called boring things like lending to businesses. Now their profits come from selling complex products, which could threaten the economy.

Banking used to be a laid-back profession involving long lunches and the odd loan approval to a business. Over the last few decades that has all changed as financial institutions focus increasingly on selling products to the public and thinking up ever more complicated money making schemes for the world markets. This process - often described as  financialisation - has meant increased profits for the banks but is also seen as a threat to the rest of the economy.  Authors Rana Foroohar and Joshua Ryan-Collins argue that some financial institutions may once again repeating old mistakes. 
Presenter: David Grossman
Producer: Matthew Chapman

BBC Radio 4

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The New Age of Capitalism

Financialisation

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4