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☆ Coinbase halts support for Signature Bank's digital payments platform
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] A person walks into the lobby of the Signature Bank headquarters, in New York City, U.S., March 13, 2023. REUTERS/David 'Dee' DelgadoMarch 20 (Reuters) - Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase Global Inc (COIN.O) said on Monday it has stopped support for Signature Bank's (SBNY.O) digital payments platform Signet, more than a week after U.S. regulators took control of the bank. Coinbase's users who relied on Signet will not be able to transact outside of traditional banking hours, the exchange said. New York-based Signature was one of two major U.S. banks that collapsed earlier this month, triggering market turmoil on a scale similar to the global financial crisis 15 years ago. On Sunday, a unit of New York Community Bancorp (NYCB.N) entered into an agreement with U.S. regulators to buy deposits and loans from Signature Bank.

Many of the regional banks have also said that their deposit base has stabilized. "The regional banks have come under pressure because they are less equipped to handle a withdrawal of deposits the way the big banks are," said Mark Chandler, chief market strategist at Bannockburn Global Forex in New York. In a move of solidarity, most of the major banks agreed on Thursday to deposit $30 billion in First Republic. At least four U.S. lawmakers said on Sunday they would consider whether a higher federal insurance limit on bank deposits than the current $250,000 threshold was needed to inspire more confidence in the system. Buffett has yet to prop up any of the regional banks.

Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) data shows that speculators held the largest ever net short position in three-month SOFR rate futures in the week ending March 7, only a few weeks after amassing a record short position in two-year Treasuries futures. Implied rates then plunged as much as 200 basis points in a week as traders drastically redrew their Fed outlook. Analysts at Deutsche Bank say the huge disconnect between bond and rates volatility over equity volatility recently is partly down to the extreme positioning in fixed income. A short position is essentially a wager that an asset's price will fall, and a long position is a bet it will rise. In bonds and interest rates, yields and implied rates fall when prices rise, and move up when prices fall.

☆ Credit Suisse tells staff to keep working and that salary and bonus will be paid 'as previously communicated' after UBS takeover deal: reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

UBS sealed a deal to acquire Credit Suisse for $3.25 billion on Sunday after a crisis of confidence. "There are no changes to payroll arrangements," Credit Suisse wrote in a Q&A addressing concerns staff may have, per Bloomberg. Credit Suisse also assured staff they will still be paid bonuses for their work in 2023, according to the memo. This put pressure on Credit Suisse, whose outflows have already been accelerating over the past few months. Credit Suisse did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

☆ Top analyst Betsy Graseck says get defensive with these bank stocks as risk grows
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Silicon Valley Bank's collapse , as well as the closure of crypto-focused Signature Bank and Silvergate Capital, all in March, "takes us further away from risks being idiosyncratic," analyst Betsy Graseck wrote in a note Monday. The end result is lower net interest margins, net interest income and return on equity across the industry, Graseck wrote. Among the large-cap banks, JPMorgan Chase , Wells Fargo and Regions Financial are buys, she said. Wells Fargo sank 8.7% and Regions Financial tumbled 11.8%, while American Express lost 5.5% over the same period. Of that total, JPM and Wells Fargo contributed $5 billion each.

☆ One country, two crypto systems: Hong Kong harbors crypto hub ambitions despite China's crackdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty ImagesThe crypto industry has had a rough year with digital currency markets crashing and companies collapsing across the board. Hong Kong is planning to introduce new rules in June that will require crypto trading platforms to be licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission. Bitcoin ATMs, operated by Coinhero, in Hong Kong, China, on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. While Hong Kong harbors high crypto ambitions and boasts relatively lower tax policy on businesses, the city could still potentially find competition with other crypto hubs. The logo of Bitcoin cryptocurrency at a store in Hong Kong on Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022.

☆ How bad is the banking crisis?
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Spriha Srivastava | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The Fed along with five other central banks announced coordinated action to reassure global banks. To make sense of those acronyms, GFC refers to the global financial crisis of 2007 to 2009, EZ crisis is the Eurozone crisis of 2009 onwards, temper tantrum likely refers to the taper tantrum of 2013, and the Covid 3/20 shock is when global markets went haywire in the early stages of the pandemic. So, you might be wondering: Just how bad is the banking crisis? "It means the banking crisis we've seen over the past few weeks has started a new chapter rather than reaching its ending." After the 2008 financial crisis, the Bank of International Settlements (BIS) made it necessary for all European banks to issue CoCo bonds.

☆ Inside the world of high-end crypto rehab centers, where a 4-week stay can cost you $320,000 and no luxury is spared
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-20 | by ( Nidhi Pandurangi | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Crypto addiction is like a "casino in your pocket" says the founder and CEO of The Balance, a crypto rehab center. Enter: luxury crypto rehab centers. It calls itself the "world's best luxury rehab center and mental health clinic" and a "safe haven where you can find recovery, peace, rest, and happiness." The Diamond rehab center, ThailandAnd then there's the property's luxury offerings: a spa, golfing, boat trips, and sporting activities. The Diamond rehab center, ThailandThe Diamond started offering crypto rehab services at the beginning of 2021.

New York CNN —Global banks just suffered their worst week since 2008. Credit Suisse and First Republic: Two more banks wobbled but remained upright through the week. Meanwhile, First Republic bank received a $30 billion lifeline on Thursday from some of the largest banks in the United States. US-traded shares of Credit Suisse were down nearly 7% and First Republic shares plunged by about 33% on Friday. That doesn’t mean that banks taking money from the FHLB and participating in the Federal Reserve’s emergency Bank Term Lending Program, which lent out $12 billion to banks this week, are in big trouble.

☆ Top UBS executives defend their 'emergency rescue' of Credit Suisse. Here's what comes next.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-19 | by ( Rebecca Ungarino | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

UBS sought to reassure investors that the Credit Suisse deal wouldn't disrupt long-term strategy. UBS agreed to acquire Credit Suisse on Sunday in a deal arranged by the Swiss government. Credit Suisse has faced crisis after crisis in recent years, from Archegos to a spying scandal. "These events could alter the course of not only European banking but also the wealth management industry more generally," Georgiou said. "It's an outcome that we may not have hoped for," Hamers said of the Credit Suisse deal.

☆ Warren Buffett, BlackRock and Goldman Sachs find energy stocks irresistible even as 2023 proves another turbulent year for markets
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Zinya Salfiti | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Energy stocks are emerging as a top favorite with Wall Street elites even as the recent string of bank failures spook markets. BlackRock and Goldman Sachs have also touted their preference for energy stocks. And one sector is emerging as quite the favorite with the likes of Berkshire Hathaway, BlackRock and Goldman Sachs - energy stocks. Goldman Sachs' chief US equity strategist David Kostin said last month it was time to turn to value stocks from sectors such as energy and healthcare. Economic uncertainty fueled by the banking turmoil has led to a jump in oil market volatility.

☆ Bitcoin is up 60% so far this year as investors rediscover appeal as alternative banking system
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Tanaya Macheel | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Cryptocurrencies stood out this week as bank shares tumbled and the global liquidity crisis rocked the stock market. Bitcoin versus the banks The price of bitcoin twice rose above the key $25,200 level to more than $26,000, according to Coin Metrics. BTC.CM= 1Y mountain Bitcoin, 1-year Bitcoin's outperformance amid a crisis in the traditional banking system had some wondering if the price rallied on a potential narrative shift. Though bitcoin was initially designed to be digital cash and an alternative financial system, it spent much of last year trading like a speculative asset. "In practice, bitcoin isn't isolated from the traditional banking system.

☆ Everything you need to know to catch up on Silicon Valley Bank, Credit Suisse, and the trouble rattling the financial world
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-18 | by ( Phil Rosen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Silicon Valley Bank and Credit Suisse have stolen most of the headlines, but between others like First Republic Bank, Signature Bank, and Silvergate Bank, there's plenty to digest. People walk by the New York headquarters of Credit Suisse on March 15, 2023 in New York City. The scandal-hit lender has been feeling the pain since Silicon Valley Bank sparked the bank crisis. Venture capitalists have never been more divided, with accusations flying over who killed their beloved Silicon Valley Bank. Bank of America strategists laid out 23 names that still offer upside despite the drag of SVB and Credit Suisse.

☆ Credit Suisse shares slide 10% as the shine of its rescue package wears off
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Karen Friar | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Credit Suisse stock slid almost 10% Friday, pulling back after it jumped as much as 20% the previous day. The declines came even after the SNB agreed to loan $54 billion to the Swiss banking giant. DBRS Morningstar cut Credit Suisse's credit score Thursday, amid concerns it may default on its debt. Credit Suisse is facing a pile of financial troubles, and investors are concerned it may default on its debt. DBRS Morningstar cut Credit Suisse's credit score to BBB on Thursday.

☆ People are pouring cash into money market funds at the highest rate since the start of COVID as depositors flee banking turmoil
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Carla Mozée | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Money market funds drew in the most cash since early 2020 as depositors sought safety during a shakeup in the banking industry. About $121 billion was poured in money market funds over the past week, the Investment Company Institute said. Last week's shutdown of Silicon Valley Bank was the first bank seizure since 2008. For the week that ended on Wednesday, $120.93 billion flew into money market funds, the Investment Company Institute said Friday. The push of cash into money market funds resulted in a record $5.01 trillion in total assets tracked by ICI.

☆ Why Bill Ackman fears Wall Street's $30 billion rescue of First Republic could have catastrophic fallout
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Theron Mohamed | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Bill Ackman is sounding the alarm on Wall Street's $30 billion show of faith in First Republic. The billionaire investor fears the move has put other banks at risk and could endanger the economy. Here's why he's worried and wants a temporary blanket guarantee on bank deposits. JPMorgan, Bank of America, and nine other banks said on Thursday that they would make uninsured deposits totaling $30 billion in First Republic Bank (FRB) for at least 120 days. "Three dominoes have fallen and another is on its way," Ackman said in an earlier tweet, referring to Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank, and Silvergate.

☆ Chinese state media says US banking troubles are a result of poor regulation and domestic politics — but China's banks aren't having a great time either
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

China's state media says the banking crisis happened due to poor financial regulation and US domestic politics. But banks in China also have their own issues amid the country's property woes. China's heavy-handed criticism comes at a bleak time for its own banksBut this harsh criticism comes at a bleak time for China's own banks. Since its collapse, some of these start-ups have been looking for alternatives — such as bigger US banks or other Chinese lenders, Reuters reported. Despite these troubles, China touts its governance system as being superior to "Western democracy" and uses state media to push its messaging.

☆ The market is on the verge of a Lehman-style event as the financial world thrashes in the wake of global banking turmoil, veteran trader Art Cashin says
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Morgan Chittum | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The market may be nearing its Lehman moment yet again, Art Cashin told CNBC. The Wall Street vet said certain investors could use the banking crisis for their own financial gain. "We are on the edge of what we were doing back when Lehman got in trouble," Cashin told CNBC on Friday. In the span of a week, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank were seized by regulators, while Silvergate announced it was winding down operations and liquidating positions. The Fed has forced many of these banks to reconfigure their portfolios," Cashin said, pointing to the US central bank's rate hikes.

☆ Credit Suisse shares jump over 25% after a $54 billion SNB loan eases jitters, US stock futures stabilize
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Zahra Tayeb | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Credit Suisse stock jumped Thursday after the SNB agreed to loan the banking giant $54 billion. The declines came after its biggest shareholder, the Saudi National Bank, said it wouldn't provide any more financial support to the lender. The SNB lifeline came amid investor fears Credit Suisse will default on debt. "Credit Suisse is taking decisive action to pre-emptively strengthen its liquidity by intending to exercise its option to borrow from the Swiss National Bank," he company said in a statement. "Dr. Doom" economist Nouriel Roubini has flashed a warning signal on Credit Suisse, saying it could go bust if the ECB follows up on its 50-basis point rate hike.

☆ Bank turmoil drags oil prices down to 15-month low
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Phil Rosen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Banking chaos is weighing on oil prices, as crude benchmarks hit their lowest levels since December 2021. Fed policy and US and European bank turmoil have darkened the global economic outlook in the last week. A week ago, the US benchmark was nearly 12% higher, and global crude traded about 11% higher. On Friday, regulators shut down Silicon Valley Bank, and two days later did the same to Signature Bank. "That, and lower oil prices/interest rates may soften the economic blow of tighter lending standards."

☆ 'Big Short' investor Steve Eisman says it'll be bad news for stocks if the banking crisis causes the Fed to pause: 'You should be scared'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( George Glover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Investors should be worried if the Federal Reserve doesn't raise interest rates next week, according to Steve Eisman. "If the Fed is scared, you should be scared," the "Big Short" investor told CNBC. Traders upped their bets on a Fed pause after the US's regional banking crisis rocked markets. "If the Fed doesn't raise rates … maybe it'll be positive for a couple hours or a couple of weeks," he added. The central bank is in a difficult position because inflation could flare up again if it does stop tightening, according to Eisman.

It would help organize a $2.25 billion stock sale for SVB to fill the funding gap caused by the bond portfolio sale, two of the sources said. It is unclear whether Goldman has held onto all or part of the bond portfolio or sold it. In a regulatory filing on Tuesday, SVB said its bond portfolio sales to Goldman were done at "negotiated prices". Goldman was not paid the underwriting fee it had agreed for the stock sale because that deal fell through, two of the sources said. UNDISCLOSED ROLESVB did not disclose in its stock sale prospectus to investors that Goldman was the acquirer of the bond portfolio it sold at a loss.

☆ Crypto group DCG seeks new partners for portfolio firms amid SVB collapse - CoinDesk
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

March 14 (Reuters) - Crypto conglomerate Digital Currency Group (DCG) is looking to find new banking partners for portfolio companies following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SIVB.O), Signature Bank (SBNY.O) and Silvergate (SI.N), CoinDesk reported on Tuesday, citing messages viewed by the outlet. Santander (SAN.MC), HSBC (HSBA.L) and Deutsche Bank (DBKGn.DE) are still willing to connect with crypto firms, CoinDesk said, after recent banking failures in the United States left crypto firms and tech startups stranded and hunting for new banking partners. DCG has also reached out to BlackRock (BLK.N), JPMorgan (JPM.N) and Bank of America (BAC.N), the report added. Banks may restrict some services for crypto firms, such as brokerage and money market services and the ability to wire money to third parties, according to the messages seen by CoinDesk. Traditional banks may set up banking accounts for crypto firms, but would place restrictions based on the level of crypto exposure, the report added.

☆ Coinbase opens local bank transfers for Singapore users at no cost
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( Rae Wee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Transfers, in Singapore dollars, are facilitated by a traditional bank, Standard Chartered (STAN.L), and carry no fee, the company said in a statement. Previously, users could only purchase crypto via a Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card, or transfer crypto in and out of their Coinbase account. Coinbase, which last year received in-principle approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to offer payment services in the city-state, is looking to ramp up its Singapore retail offerings, said Ahmed. Singapore has generally welcomed crypto businesses but has been wary of encouraging retail involvement. Coinbase's announcement also comes with confidence in crypto fragile as the fallout from the spectacular collapse of crypto exchange FTX continues to reverberate through markets.

☆ Collapse of U.S. banks: There is one 'common theme,' says investment advisory firm
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-15 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailCollapse of U.S. banks: There is one 'common theme,' says investment advisory firmRam Ahluwalia of Lumida Wealth discusses the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and Silvergate Bank.

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