Banking Act
Quick Summary
The Banking Act of 1933, also known as the Glass-Steagall Act, was enacted in response to the Great Depression. This legislation aimed to reform the banking system and restore public confidence. Key provisions included separating commercial and investment banking and establishing the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The FDIC insures consumer deposits, protecting them from loss in the event of bank failures, and also plays a role in regulating banking practices. The act was a crucial step in stabilizing the U.S. financial system during a period of widespread bank failures.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
Great DepressionEconomic impactThe Banking Act of 1933 (also known as the Glass-Steagall Act) established deposit insurance in the United States and prohibited banks from underwriting or dealing in securities. Deposit insurance, which did not become common worldwide until after World War II, effectively eliminated banking panics as an…
Read MoreThe Banking Act of 1933 (also known as the Glass-Steagall Act) established deposit insurance in the United States and prohibited banks from underwriting or dealing in securities. Deposit insurance, which did not become common worldwide until after World War II, effectively eliminated banking panics as an…
Read More
United StatesThe first New DealThe Glass–Steagall Act of 1933 separated commercial from investment banking and created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to guarantee small deposits. The Banking Act of 1935 strengthened the Federal Reserve System, the first major improvement since its birth in 1913.
Read MoreThe Glass–Steagall Act of 1933 separated commercial from investment banking and created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to guarantee small deposits. The Banking Act of 1935 strengthened the Federal Reserve System, the first major improvement since its birth in 1913.
Read More


