SVB failure spells contagion but not systemic risk
Monday, March 13, 2023
Significance
The Federal Reserve (Fed) yesterday announced emergency measures to backstop banks facing short-term liquidity pressures, in order to forestall bank runs like those which overwhelmed SVB and Signature.
Impacts
- The Fed may pause its next rate hike to await more clarity on the extent of any contagion in the banking system.
- SVB’s demise will exacerbate the capital-access challenges facing its primary customers: tech venture capitalists and startups.
- Startups will lose key talent if they cannot pay wages, as employees will walk out or be laid off.
- Banks with large bond holdings will face investor scrutiny for mismatches between their funding costs and the rates earned on their assets.
- Tighter online regulations are making it harder for tech firms to generate revenue and keep compliance costs low.