Dalvinder Singh Ashgate Publishing, Aldershot, 2007, 225pp., ISBN: 978-0-7546-3971-8

At the time of a global credit crunch when the role of bank supervisors and financial services regulators, in every major Western economy, is under scrutiny the author, Dalvinder Singh, provides a uniquely clear analysis of the legal aspects and challenges to prudential supervision.

Setting the discussion in the context of economic, political and social policy that affects bank regulation, the author gives an erudite and clear explanation of the law relating to bank supervision and related corporate governance issues. Thus, the role of external auditors, the accountability of regulators and enforcement/sanctions are examined in the context of the need to ensure financial stability and depositor protection. Added to that is the comparative discussion of the approach taken by US regulators. The author therefore manages to make accessible a complex area of the law in two different jurisdictions in which approaches taken by the respective bank regulators/failings in bank regulation often has consequences beyond the national boundaries.

The work therefore will have a wide appeal beyond those involved in the academic study of the law for whom the book should be an essential reading. Those involved in financial services, bank governance and regulation will find the book invaluable. Dalvinder Singh provides an outstanding study of bank regulation, which is exceptionally informative and highly accessible.

The work will be a leading reference point for anyone involved in the work/or study of the banking sector in the US and UK.