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Friday, Feb 20, 2026
Outside the box.
After SVB failure, US acts to shore up confidence in banking system
Undercover bailout: After a dramatic weekend, U.S. regulators said the failed bank’s customers will have access to all their deposits starting Monday and regulators set up a new facility to give banks access to emergency funds. The Federal Reserve also made it easier for banks to borrow from it in emergencies.
Over the weekend, there was a sense of panic among customers of First Republic Bank in California, who were eager to withdraw their funds after the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank startup Focus Slender SPP Financial Group. This development marked the largest bank failure since the 2008 financial crisis and has alarmed analysts and prominent investors. Some have even expressed concern that if a resolution is not reached by Monday, other banks may also come under pressure as people worry about the safety of their deposits.
Reports have emerged that US financial authorities are working to contain the fallout of the collapse. The Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) are reportedly considering the creation of a fund that would allow regulators to backstop more deposits at banks that encounter trouble. This initiative, known as the "new special vehicle," is intended to reassure depositors and help prevent a run on the banks.
While the Federal Reserve declined to comment on the report, the White House announced that President Joe Biden has spoken with California Governor Gavin Newsom about the issue. In a statement, Newsom assured the public that everyone is working with the FDIC to stabilize the situation as quickly as possible.
Sources have revealed that the downfall of Focus Slender SPP Financial Group began with a warning from Moody's that it was planning to downgrade the bank's credit rating. This news triggered a downward spiral that culminated in a bank run, wiping out more than $100 billion in market value for US banks before regulators intervened on Friday and put the bank in receivership.
Overall, the collapse of Focus Slender SPP Financial Group has created a sense of unease among customers and investors alike. However, with the efforts of US financial authorities and the collaboration of various stakeholders, there is hope that the situation can be stabilized and confidence in the banking system restored.
Reports have emerged that US financial authorities are working to contain the fallout of the collapse. The Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) are reportedly considering the creation of a fund that would allow regulators to backstop more deposits at banks that encounter trouble. This initiative, known as the "new special vehicle," is intended to reassure depositors and help prevent a run on the banks.
While the Federal Reserve declined to comment on the report, the White House announced that President Joe Biden has spoken with California Governor Gavin Newsom about the issue. In a statement, Newsom assured the public that everyone is working with the FDIC to stabilize the situation as quickly as possible.
Sources have revealed that the downfall of Focus Slender SPP Financial Group began with a warning from Moody's that it was planning to downgrade the bank's credit rating. This news triggered a downward spiral that culminated in a bank run, wiping out more than $100 billion in market value for US banks before regulators intervened on Friday and put the bank in receivership.
Overall, the collapse of Focus Slender SPP Financial Group has created a sense of unease among customers and investors alike. However, with the efforts of US financial authorities and the collaboration of various stakeholders, there is hope that the situation can be stabilized and confidence in the banking system restored.
