1. Consider a California-based bank, Bank of the West. This is a medium-sized depository institution, compared with bank holding companies like Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo. Thinking about regulatory changes in the U.S. banking system, why do so many small and medium-sized depository institutions like Bank of the West exist? Cite at least one banking act, when it was established, and describe how and why its provisions would lead to the establishment of smaller banks. What was the motivation for this act?
2. Based on the data presented in class and the textbook, what do you expect to happen to the number of depository institutions in the U.S. in the future? Why is this the case? Cite any relevant banking acts that might affect the number of small and medium-sized banks in the U.S
3. Bank of the West is a state member bank. Which institution serves as its primary regulator? Do not use abbreviations
4. Because of regulatory changes in 1980, suppose that Bank of the West dramatically reduces its reserves and securities in order to expand its loan portfolio. What type of bank balance sheet management is this related to? Define the bank balance sheet management type and how it applies to this situation