In 2012, writing in the Wall Street Journal , financial analyst Meredith Whitney argued, “Fewer Americans have access to traditional banking services such as checking accounts, consumer loans and...

analyst Meredith Whitney argued, “Fewer

Americans have access to traditional banking

services such as checking accounts, consumer

loans and credit cards than they did five years

ago.” Assuming that Whitney is correct, what

would be the consequences for individuals and

for the economy as a whole of fewer people

having access to banking services?