Alan Greenspan on subprime lending

With these advances in technology, lenders have taken advantage of credit-scoring models and other techniques for efficiently extending credit to a broader spectrum of consumers. . . . As we reflect on the evolution of consumer credit in the United States, we must conclude that innovation and structural change in the financial services industry have been critical in providing expanded access to credit for the vast majority of consumers, including those of limited means. . . . This fact underscores the importance of our roles as policymakers, researchers, bankers and consumer advocates in fostering constructive innovation that is both responsive to market demand and beneficial to consumers.

~ Alan Greenspan, chairman, Federal Reserve, from a speech given April 8, 2005, as reported in "Blame Greenspan for this bubble, too" by Bill Fleckenstein