Financialisation and the coupon pool

Abstract

This article aims to extend our understanding of the role of capital markets in present day capitalism. It starts from a critical examination of established terms, shareholder value, corporate governance and financialisation, before suggesting a new generic term, coupon pool capitalism. The second half aims to demonstrate that, unlike the other terms, the coupon pool concept distinctively emphasises the generation of contradictions and instabilities. Empirical evidence is used to support the concept and explore dynamics.