LAUSR

Purpose This paper aims to investigate how bank governance can be altered to reduce risk taking and engender greater financial stability. Design/methodology/approach The paper reviews existing bank governance arrangements, contemporary challenges and alternative reforms. Findings It is argued that recent reforms are incomplete. Greater countervailing incentives for bank managers and shareholders are required. This prompts an inquiry into the merits and demerits of four types of reform: changes to executive compensation arrangements; the introduction of a liability standard for directors; the removal of limited liability for bank shareholders; and a criminal offence for managers. Originality/value Discussion illumines several problems with the current approach to bank governance and provides insights that can help direct future reform.