Ripped-From-the-Headlines Conference Agenda

It's been a busy month for the F.D.I.C., between hurriedly brokering takeovers of the biggest failed bank in the nation's history and expanding its portfolio on the fly to include billions of dollars worth of previously exempt deposits.

In its spare time, it has also been preparing to play host to the annual conference and general meeting of the International Association of Deposit Insurers. The events are scheduled to start next Wednesday in Alexandria, Virginia.

Not surprisingly, the conference is attracting more than the usual level of interest. Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. spokeswoman LaJuan Williams-Dickerson said 199 people had signed up as of yesterday afternoon. Only 140 showed up in Seoul five years ago.

The first day will be devoted to a subject now near and dear to every sentient person's heart: "Focus on Financial Stability." With admirable understatement, the conference website describes the session this way:

"Recent global financial turmoil has led to increased recognition of the importance of establishing effective deposit insurance systems to maintain financial stability and public confidence in the financial system, especially during times of economic uncertainty."

It's a good time to be a deposit-insurance executive.

by Mark Stein

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