Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
This gripping talk takes you behind the scenes of the 2008 global financial crisis, told by two key players who were inside the U.S. Treasury during the most volatile economic period in modern history. You'll hear what really happened in the room when decisions were made to prevent systemic collapse, how a $700 billion bailout was conceived, and the leadership lessons learned amid market chaos. It’s a masterclass in crisis management, economics, and policy making, delivered with firsthand insights.
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Discover the nuances of public vs. private sector responsibility, the critical role of confidence in financial systems, and why regulatory frameworks failed when they were needed most. This isn’t just history — it’s a roadmap for preventing future crises. You’ll also hear never-before-told stories about President Bush, Fed Chair Ben Bernanke, and Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson in high-stakes meetings that shaped the modern economy.
Whether you’re an investor, student of economics, or just curious about how the world narrowly avoided another Great Depression, this video delivers a powerful, personal narrative full of insight, humility, and urgency. The speakers reflect not only on financial structures, but also on leadership, character, and decision-making under pressure — themes that remain just as relevant today.
Tony Ryan served in the U.S. Department of the Treasury during the 2008 global financial crisis, playing a key role in stabilizing the economy amid unprecedented turmoil. With a background in both the public and private sectors, Tony brings a dual-lens perspective to policymaking, capital markets, and leadership under pressure. His work involved advising top officials, overseeing market strategies, and directly contributing to the design and execution of the $700 billion TARP program. Ryan is known for his thoughtful approach to economic resilience, systemic risk mitigation, and the human dimensions of leadership in times of crisis.
David Nason is a seasoned financial expert who served alongside Tony Ryan at the U.S. Treasury during the 2008 financial meltdown. As one of the key architects of the government's crisis response, he helped develop strategies to inject liquidity into the banking system and stabilize key institutions like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. David's work bridged complex financial instruments, regulatory frameworks, and high-level policy decisions. Known for his sharp analytical thinking and commitment to public service, he has continued to be a voice on financial reform, regulatory innovation, and market stability.
This gripping talk takes you behind the scenes of the 2008 global financial crisis, told by two key players who were inside the U.S. Treasury during the most volatile economic period in modern history. You'll hear what really happened in the room when decisions were made to prevent systemic collapse, how a $700 billion bailout was conceived, and the leadership lessons learned amid market chaos. It’s a masterclass in crisis management, economics, and policy making, delivered with firsthand insights.
Please like, subscribe and click the bell icon above to get notifications when we post new videos!
Join our mailing list to get advance info on our upcoming programs and to sign up for livestreams: signup.e2ma.net/signup/1887647/1895526
We rely on our donors to keep our programming going, please donate here: vailsymposium.org/donate
Discover the nuances of public vs. private sector responsibility, the critical role of confidence in financial systems, and why regulatory frameworks failed when they were needed most. This isn’t just history — it’s a roadmap for preventing future crises. You’ll also hear never-before-told stories about President Bush, Fed Chair Ben Bernanke, and Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson in high-stakes meetings that shaped the modern economy.
Whether you’re an investor, student of economics, or just curious about how the world narrowly avoided another Great Depression, this video delivers a powerful, personal narrative full of insight, humility, and urgency. The speakers reflect not only on financial structures, but also on leadership, character, and decision-making under pressure — themes that remain just as relevant today.
Tony Ryan served in the U.S. Department of the Treasury during the 2008 global financial crisis, playing a key role in stabilizing the economy amid unprecedented turmoil. With a background in both the public and private sectors, Tony brings a dual-lens perspective to policymaking, capital markets, and leadership under pressure. His work involved advising top officials, overseeing market strategies, and directly contributing to the design and execution of the $700 billion TARP program. Ryan is known for his thoughtful approach to economic resilience, systemic risk mitigation, and the human dimensions of leadership in times of crisis.
David Nason is a seasoned financial expert who served alongside Tony Ryan at the U.S. Treasury during the 2008 financial meltdown. As one of the key architects of the government's crisis response, he helped develop strategies to inject liquidity into the banking system and stabilize key institutions like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. David's work bridged complex financial instruments, regulatory frameworks, and high-level policy decisions. Known for his sharp analytical thinking and commitment to public service, he has continued to be a voice on financial reform, regulatory innovation, and market stability.
