Critically evaluate the banking system in Switzerland Essay

Critically evaluate the banking system in Switzerland - Essay Example In 2002, the FBC called for stricter regulations to combat money laundering and the funding of terrorist activities as well thorough regulations in dealing with assets belonging to infamous political figures. An edict calling for eradication of unidentified overseas money transfers was introduced in 2003. These legislation have aimed at streamlining the structures and offer more flexible systems in order to improve competitiveness. 1.2 The Universal system However, there are several specialized banking groups in Switzerland. The domestic banking market is dominated by eight groups of banks. Two of the largest banks, United Bank of Switzerland (UBS) and the Credit Suisse Group, offer varied financial services that include portfolio management and underwriting. They also participate in the stock market. Switzerland has seen a reduction of the number of banks from more than 600 banks in 1990 to slightly more than 350 in 2004 courtesy of consolidation and mergers. It is the purpose of this paper to look at some of the considerations taken into account by the regulatory authorities (Swiss National Bank & The Federal Banking commission) as they endeavor to provide direction for banking institutions. Deposit acceptance and lending are some of the fundamental functions of banking institutions. A section of this paper will focus on costs and degree of risk associated with banks' lending activity in a rapidly changing financial market. Hanson, J.L. (1974) Mergers bring with them

The Christian Tradition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Christian Tradition - Essay Example The moral issue regarding homosexuality is clear. Actually gays and lesbians are immoral people and do immoral acts, at least according to the Bible. Homosexuality violates many Christian principles. However, homosexuals should be loved and accepted even though we cannot accept their homosexuality. The issue regarding homosexuality is actually based on whether it is an individual’s choice or not. If it is an individual’s choice, then homosexuality is evil and the homosexual who practices it deserves to be criticized. However, if there is a reason that homosexuality is not an individual’s choice like it is genetic, then it means that homosexuality is not such a bad thing after all because it is beyond human control. According to a study by Allen and Gorski of the University of California in 1992, â€Å"The midsagittal plane of the anterior commissure in homosexual men was 18% larger than in heterosexual women and 34% larger than in homosexual men† (Allen & Gorski). This means that a part of the brains of homosexual men are actually larger than the brains of heterosexual men. A group of Swedish scientists from the Karolinska Institute also had the same findings. According to the researchers, the brains of gay men have the same sizes as the brains of heterosexual women (Park). ... and should help solve the discrimination and hatred that homosexuals experience, especially that homosexual hate groups are usually based at the church. Therefore, the Church must begin the campaign to help homosexuals, and the Church should also remain open-minded at all times. After all, Jesus said, â€Å"Love your neighbor as yourself,† he particularly did not say, â€Å"Love your neighbor s as yourself† except if he is gay (Mt. 22:39, New International Version). Therefore, in following the footsteps of Christ, a Christian should therefore be the first to understand the grieving homosexual, because Christian love is supposed to be universal. However, even though some scientists and experiments say that homosexuality has a genetic basis and that it is not the homosexual’s fault to be homosexual, the Church maintains its opinion against homosexuality. According to the Book of Leviticus in the Bible, which says, â€Å"You must not have sexual intercourse with a male as one has sexual intercourse with a woman; it is a detestable act† (Lev. 18:22). God is advising a Jewish man here and so God does not agree that it is all right for a man to have sex with another man. The Book of Leviticus is the book of Law of Moses, and therefore it should be obeyed and followed. Homosexuality violates other passages of the Bible. In the Book of Genesis, the men of Sodom want to have sex with the male angels who accompany Lot. They ask him, â€Å"Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them?† (Gen. 19:5). Then, later on, God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah. Thus, we assume that God destroys these cities because of their many moral violations including homosexuality. Another violation of homosexuality is against Romans 1:26-27: â€Å"Even