Regional banks still face challenges after bank runs

Jun 16, 2023
They've been operating under more scrutiny from the federal government and trying to manage the Federal Reserve's higher interest rates.
Silicon Valley Bank was one of the regional banks that failed earlier this year.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Who's on the hook for money the FDIC paid uninsured depositors?

May 12, 2023
The agency wants the country's largest banks to split the cost of refilling its coffers. But smaller banks aren't sure they're in the clear.
After stepping in to rescue depositors after recent bank failures, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. wants to replenish its insurance fund. Above, the agency's logo at a First Republic Bank branch.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

One way to make banks safer? Make them "narrower."

May 12, 2023
Limiting riskier, illiquid investment could make banks and the financial system more stable — but the Federal Reserve isn’t so sure.
A narrow bank could just lock your money away in a vault behind the tellers or park it in a liquid investment. But those options aren't very profitable.
Evening Standard/Getty Images
The FDIC released a report on Monday with suggestions on how to improve federal backstops on deposits, with an aim to preventing bank customers from withdrawing their money in a panic.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Bank failures have some small businesses reconsidering where they park their money

Mar 27, 2023
Some have been moving money to "too big to fail" banks. Others are sticking with community institutions.
In addition to the idea of larger banking institutions being "to big too fail," they also tend to have more sophisticated technology than smaller banks.
JGalione/Getty Images

Trying to explain the bank runs? The "takeconomy" might deserve some of the blame.

Mar 21, 2023
Many factors led to Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse, but content creator Kyla Scanlon says "social media risk" accelerated the slide.
Credit Suisse Chair Axel Lehmann blamed his bank's failure partly on a "social media storm." Content creator Kyla Scanlon highlights the role of social media in the instability that has jolted global finance.
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images

Smaller banks keep a close watch over their liquidity

Mar 20, 2023
One concern: People will put their money in a bigger bank. But there's a good reason to leave it in smaller institution, one banker says.
If more people get anxious about the banking system, they may start withdrawing their money, said University of Alabama law professor Julie Hill.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.