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☆ Global banking crisis: One big problem down. Too many others left to go
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( David Goldman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York CNN —Credit Suisse, hobbled for decades by mismanagement, scandal and bad bets, finally succumbed to the emerging global banking crisis. In the United States, the banking crisis began nearly two weeks ago with the sudden collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank over a three-day span. That sent shockwaves through the global banking system. Good news and bad newsThe good news: Those loans do not indicate anything inherently wrong with the global banking system. But the banking system and regulators would have to calm fears before that happens system-wide.

☆ UBS is buying Credit Suisse in bid to halt banking crisis
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-19 | by ( Mark Thompson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

“UBS today announced the takeover of Credit Suisse,” the Swiss National Bank said in a statement. Credit Suisse shareholders will be largely wiped out, receiving just 1 UBS share for 22.5 Credit Suisse shares they own. UBS (UBS) and Credit Suisse rank among the 30 most important banks in the global financial system, and together they have almost $1.7 trillion in assets. “Given recent extraordinary and unprecedented circumstances, the announced merger represents the best available outcome,” Credit Suisse chairman Axel Lehmann said in a statement. The Swiss National Bank said it would provide a loan of 100 billion Swiss francs ($108 billion) to UBS and Credit Suisse to boost liquidity.

☆ Asia Pacific markets dip after UBS rescue of Credit Suisse
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-19 | by ( Michelle Toh | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Hong Kong CNN —Asia Pacific markets edged slightly lower on Monday morning as investors reacted to news of a Credit Suisse bailout by its bigger rival UBS. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index (HSI) tumbled 1.5% at its opening. On Sunday, Switzerland’s biggest bank, UBS (UBS), agreed to buy Credit Suisse (CS) in an emergency rescue deal aimed at stemming financial market panic unleashed by the failure of two American banks earlier this month. “Volatility in Australian financial markets has picked up,” he told a conference Monday. Dow futures and S&P futures each rose 0.6%, while Nasdaq futures ticked up 0.4%.

☆ A small business owner with all of her money in SVB says the company was 'jerked around' by the 'failures of the American banking system'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Britney Nguyen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Silicon Valley Bank's collapse had startup founders and venture capitalists in a panic last weekend. Vanessa Pham said the bank's collapse threatened small businesses, in addition to rich VC firms. The news threw Pham into a spiral: All of Omsom's money was in SVB, a bank widely used by startups and venture capitalists. On Friday morning, Pham tried to wire the company's money out of SVB, but it was unsuccessful. In a follow-up Instagram post, the Pham sisters wrote that the weekend caused them to reflect on how "the failures of the American banking system jerked all of us around, both small business + consumers alike."

☆ How First Republic became such a hot mess
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Allison Morrow | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

“It’s the biggest example of a bank that could go down and shouldn’t go down — a first-class bank,” said a source close to the 48-hour deal to infuse First Republic with $30 billion in cash. San Francisco-based First Republic, the 14th-largest bank in the country, received the cash infusion from 11 rivals, including America’s largest lenders. When JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon on Thursday reached out to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell, “Very quickly the conversation turned to First Republic,” the source told CNN. Its rescuers are also struggling, with JPMorgan Chase (JPM) down 3% and Bank of America (BAC) falling 4%. Investors saw similarities between First Republic and the failed Silicon Valley Bank — another midsize Bay Area-based lender with a deep-pocketed client base.

☆ While Yellen Assures, Banks Run
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( The Editorial Board | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Janet Yellen offered more assurances Thursday that U.S. banks are safe and sound—and we doubt even the Treasury Secretary believes it. Certainly no one else does. The biggest American banks had to commit $30 billion on Thursday to rescue First Republic Bank—15 years to the day since Bear Stearns’s collapse. The San Francisco-based bank’s shares have lost 70% since last Wednesday, and its credit rating has been downgraded to junk. First Republic investors and depositors haven’t been soothed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.’s guarantee of uninsured deposits at Silicon Valley ( SVB ) and Signature banks, or the Federal Reserve’s new emergency lending facility.

WASHINGTON, March 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. banking system remains sound and Americans can feel confident that their deposits are safe, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Thursday, but she denied that emergency actions after two large bank failures mean that a blanket government guarantee now existed for all deposits. "I can reassure the members of the committee that our banking system is sound, and that Americans can feel confident that their deposits will be there when they need them," Yellen said. More than $9.2 trillion of U.S. bank deposits were uninsured at the end of last year, accounting for more than 40% of all deposits, according to U.S. central bank data. Those uninsured deposits are not distributed evenly across the country, FDIC data shows. She also noted the high level of uninsured deposits at Silicon Valley as an aggravating factor.

March 15 (Reuters) - Swiss regulators said Credit Suisse (CSGN.S) can access liquidity from the central bank if needed, racing to assuage fears around the lender after it led a rout in European bank shares on Wednesday. The U.S. Treasury is monitoring the situation around Credit Suisse and is in touch with global counterparts about it, a Treasury spokesperson said. They slid again as a crisis of confidence gripped Credit Suisse on Wednesday after its largest investor said it could not provide Credit Suisse with more financial assistance because of regulatory constraints. The logo of Swiss bank Credit Suisse is seen in front of an office building in Zurich, Switzerland October 26, 2022. Ralph Hamers, CEO of Credit Suisse rival UBS (UBSG.S) said market turmoil has steered more money its way.

Two supervisory sources told Reuters that the European Central Bank (ECB) had contacted banks on its watch to quiz them about their exposures to Credit Suisse. The Swiss National Bank declined to comment on Switzerland's second-largest bank, after its largest investor said it could not provide Credit Suisse with more financial assistance because of regulatory constraints. Credit Suisse had appealed to the Swiss National Bank and Swiss financial watchdog FINMA for a public show of support, the Financial Times reported. The logo of Swiss bank Credit Suisse is seen in front of an office building in Zurich, Switzerland October 26, 2022. Ralph Hamers, CEO of Credit Suisse rival UBS (UBSG.S) said market turmoil has steered more money its way.

March 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. consumer finance watchdog launched an inquiry on Wednesday to examine companies that track and collect personal data, requesting public feedback about the business models and practices data brokers use. In one of his first moves as CFPB director in 2021, Rohit Chopra ordered Amazon.com Inc, Apple Inc and Facebook Inc to hand over information about how they gather and use consumer payment data. “Modern data surveillance practices have allowed companies to hover over our digital lives and monetize our most sensitive data,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra in a statement. “Our inquiry will inform whether rules under the Fair Credit Reporting Act reflect these market realities.”The CFPB is asking the public to submit information about the types of data brokers collect and the sources they rely upon, as well as people's direct experiences with data brokers, including when they attempt to remove or correct their data. Reporting by Hannah Lang in Washington; Editing by David GregorioOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

The drop in Credit Suisse shares led a 7% fall in the European banking index (.SX7P), while five-year credit default swaps (CDS) for the flagship Swiss bank hit a new record high, highlighting increasing investor concerns. We move from the problems of American banks to those of European banks, first of all Credit Suisse," said Carlo Franchini, head of institutional clients at Banca Ifigest in Milan. The Swiss National Bank declined to comment on Switzerland's second-largest bank, after its largest investor said it could not provide Credit Suisse with more financial assistance because of regulatory constrains. The logo of Swiss bank Credit Suisse is seen in front of an office building in Zurich, Switzerland October 26, 2022. Ralph Hamers, CEO of Credit Suisse rival UBS (UBSG.S) said it has benefited from market turmoil and seen money inflows.

March 15 (Reuters) - European bank stocks fell sharply on Wednesday, with embattled Credit Suisse (CSGN.S) tumbling to a new low, on renewed investor concerns about stresses within the sector triggered by Silicon Valley Bank's sudden collapse. A more than 20% drop in Credit Suisse shares led a 6% plus fall in the European banking index (.SX7P), while five-year credit default swaps (CDS) for the flagship Swiss bank hit a new record high, highlighting increasing investor concerns. We move from the problems of American banks to those of European banks, first of all Credit Suisse," said Carlo Franchini, head of institutional clients at Banca Ifigest in Milan. BlackRock (BLK.N) Chief Executive Laurence Fink warned on Wednesday that the U.S. regional banking sector remains at risk, and predicted further high inflation and rate increases. And in an attempt to avert a similar crisis down the line, the U.S. Federal Reserve is considering tougher rules and oversight for midsize banks similar in size to SVB.

Credit Suisse fell below 2 Swiss francs ($2.18) for the first time after Saudi National Bank said it could not go above 10% ownership due to a regulatory issue. Credit Suisse shares fell by as much as 23.8% and were last down 20.2%. An index of European bank stocks (.SX7P) fell in morning trading and was last down 6.1%, hitting its lowest since January 3. Fears of contagion after the collapse of tech-focused lender SVB (SIVB.O) and New York-based Signature Bank (SBNY.O) last week have weighed on European bank stocks. We move from the problems of American banks to those of European banks, first of all Credit Suisse," said Carlo Franchini, head of institutional clients at Banca Ifigest in Milan.

☆ Instant View: Banking stocks tank again as Credit Suisse woes rock market
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Reuters Staff | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

FILE PHOTO: A Credit Suisse logo is pictured on a the roof of a branch in Geneva, Switzerland, November 3, 2022. European banks shares slid over 6%, European stocks were down more 3% and U.S. stock futures pointed to a weak start for Wall Street shares. MARKET REACTION:STOCKS: Credit Suisse share trading was halted after heavy losses, last down over 20%, ING Group, ABN AMRO were4 down over 6%. “But in general, the balance sheet is in a much better position, with the European banks all highly regulated. So, it is important that the European regulator make clear that the underlying systemic risk, not only for deposits, but in the overall European banking market, is rather low.”

New York CNN —The banking meltdown over the past week has left us with more questions than answers. Here are five questions that experts answered Wednesday night. Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers told CNN that despite scary headlines, now is not the time for consumers to panic. Some context: Those regulations passed in the wake of the Great Recession laid out stricter rules for the banking industry. Of course, others note that the risk of letting the 16th-largest US bank collapse, and potentially letting its tech industry customers also fail, could have far-reaching and potentially devastating consequences.

Signature was a traditional commercial bank with a wide range of activities and customers,” an NYDFS spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that as withdrawal requests ballooned over the weekend, Signature Bank failed to provide reliable and consistent data. In response to NYDFS' statement, Frank said he was surprised the regulator said the decision to close the bank was not related to cryptocurrency. Signature was a commercial bank with private client offices with nine national business lines including commercial real estate and digital asset banking. The FDIC established a "bridge" successor bank to Signature Bank on Sunday to enable depositors to access their funds.

Fears remained on Wall Street on Monday despite the measures announced over the weekend following the collapse of California-based Silicon Valley Bank (SIVB.O) and New York-based Signature Bank (SBNY.O). Some investors have called for further action by banking regulators to reassure markets. But banking experts said regulators would likely want to see the extent of any further contagion before deciding on fresh measures. In addition, the Fed announced Monday it was doing an internal review of its oversight of Silicon Valley Bank, where it was the primary regulator. Prior to Silicon Valley Bank's collapse, banks had been lobbying lawmakers to push back against the Fed's review, arguing it could slow the economy.

☆ When Silicon Valley Bank imploded it took a $70 billion loan portfolio with it. Competitors are already stepping in to fill the gap.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Darius Rafieyan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Silicon Valley Bank had more than $70 billion in credit lines on its books when it failed. He's one of many who now stand to benefit from the sudden disappearance of one of Silicon Valley's most reliable lenders. Venture debt, like a typical venture-capital investment, involves betting big on fledgling startups that may be far off from profitability. Another person in SVB's venture debt business said that employees are working hard to maintain "business as usual" so as to make SVB's loan portfolio more attractive to a potential buyer. An opportunity for the competitionNone of this has stopped other lenders from stepping up to try to win some of SVB's debt business.

[1/3] A person walks into the lobby of the Signature Bank headquarters, in New York City, U.S., March 13, 2023. Signature Bank did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Signature was a traditional commercial bank with a wide range of activities and customers,” an NYDFS spokesperson said. The spokesperson added that as withdrawal requests ballooned over the weekend, Signature Bank failed to provide reliable and consistent data. The FDIC established a "bridge" successor bank to Signature Bank on Sunday to enable depositors to access their funds.

☆ These 23 bank stocks offer upside after Silicon Valley Bank's stunning collapse sent the whole sector plummeting, according to Bank of America
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has caused panic in the banking sector. One of the biggest scares for the banking sector since the financial crisis came late last week when Silicon Valley Bank (SIVB), which was the 16th-largest bank in the nation just days ago, imploded nearly overnight. Stocks swooned and market volatility spiked when it became clear that Silicon Valley Bank was going under. Although the US government pledged to protect individuals and businesses who made deposits at Silicon Valley Bank, fears about the potential for widespread collapse carried into this week. Shares of small- and mid-sized regional banks got crushed on Monday in what seemed to be a crisis of confidence.

Silicon Valley Bank had $209 billion in assets at the end of last year, while Signature Bank had some $110 billion. The failure of Silicon Valley Bank is a direct result of an absurd 2018 bank deregulation bill signed by (Republican former President) Donald Trump that I strongly opposed," Senator Bernie Sanders said in a statement. he added, saying awareness of the bank's recent growth and business model should have led Fed officials to anticipate trouble. In an op-ed for the New York Times, Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren placed some of the blame at the feet of bank regulators, whom she accused of "letting financial institutions load up on risk." "There won't be legislation getting through Congress, and so regulators will be making the big decisions," he said.

☆ Banks Trade Relief Now for Regulation Later
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Aaron Back | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

At the end of last year SVB Financial, parent company of Silicon Valley Bank, had $212 billion of total assets. Nobody wants to be called systemically important—until they need a hand. For years American banks of a certain size argued they were unfairly burdened by post-financial-crisis regulations. This culminated in the passage of a bill in 2018, with bipartisan support, that among other things raised the threshold for tighter supervision by the Federal Reserve from $50 billion of total assets to $250 billion.

Markets remained fragile, with European bank stocks tumbling over 5% on Monday and U.S. banks set to open lower (.SX7P). Markets also moderated their view on UK rates and were pricing in a roughly 75% chance of a 25 bps hike when the Bank of England meets next week. Goldman Sachs said on Sunday the banking stress meant it no longer expected the Fed to hike rates next week. "It's not going to want to go clattering in with another 50 (bps hike) and see some other financial institution getting hosed." A new Fed bank funding scheme aimed at addressing some of Silicon Valley Bank's apparent problems with losses in its bond portfolio is expected to further help with stability for banks and bonds.

☆ Analysis: As banks break, markets hear the sound of peaking rates
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Tom Westbrook | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

U.S. interest rate futures surged and a hard-running rally in short-term bonds extended, putting two-year Treasuries on course for their best three-day gain since Black Monday in 1987. "If (U.S. Fed Chair Jerome) Powell lifts interest rates next week, he will jeopardise this situation," he added. At 4.4098% they are also below the bottom end of the Fed funds rate window at 4.5% - a sign markets see rates' peak is near. "I think people are linking Silicon Valley Bank's problems with the rate hikes we've already had," said ING economist Rob Carnell. "If rates going up caused this, the Fed is going to mindful of that in futures," he said.

March 12 (Reuters) - State regulators closed New York-based Signature Bank (SBNY.O) on Sunday, the third largest failure in U.S. banking history, two days after authorities shuttered Silicon Valley Bank (SIVB.O) in a collapse that stranded billions in deposits. All of the depositors of Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank will be made whole, and "no losses will be borne by the taxpayer," the U.S. Treasury Department and other bank regulators said in a joint statement. Signature's failure followed Silicon Valley Bank's Friday shutdown, the second largest in U.S. history behind Washington Mutual, which collapsed during the 2008 financial crisis. Signature Bank's depositors and borrowers will automatically become customers of the bridge bank, the FDIC said. Signature Bank cut ties with Trump in 2021 following the deadly Jan. 6 riots on Capitol Hill, and urged Trump to resign.

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