Book excerpt: Given the importance of the United States' financial markets to the national economy, their competitiveness has become a critical issue that merits a prominent place in the national policy agenda. With financial services representing 8 percent of U.S. GDP and more than 5 percent of all U.S. jobs, the sector is too big and important to take for granted. The most pressing issues affecting New York's leadership as a global financial hub, including regulation, enforcement, and litigation are national issues that affect other U.S. financial centres as well. This book explores the sustainability of global and financial leadership in the U.S., including New York City.