The future of First Republic Bank hangs in the balance as regulators prepare to possibly take control of the struggling regional lender, according to recent reports. With two banks failing just last month, other financial institutions are rumored to be eyeing the First Republic for potential acquisition after a government seizure, which could happen as early as this weekend.

Efforts have been made to develop an action plan to save First Republic from becoming the next banking casualty. However, no private banks seem willing to support the lender in raising more capital.

The Road to Crisis

First Republic’s troubles began in the wake of the banking panic that led to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. As with many regional banks, First Republic had invested depositor funds in assets that were devalued over the past year due to rising interest rates.

Compounding the problem, First Republic had focused on attracting wealthy clients to fuel growth. This strategy backfired when two-thirds of the bank’s accounts held balances exceeding $250,000, making most depositors ineligible for full coverage by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) in case the bank faltered.

As a result, clients withdrew over $100 billion from their accounts in Q1 2023, shrinking First Republic’s deposits by 40%. Although JPMorgan and Bank of America provided temporary relief by depositing $30 billion last month, First Republic’s recent dismal quarterly results reignited concerns, causing its stock to plummet over 75% since Monday and marking a 97% loss compared to the beginning of the year.

What’s on the Horizon?

If First Republic Bank fails, regulators face the daunting task of determining whether to compensate its depositors and reassuring the public about the stability of the banking sector. As the situation unfolds, entrepreneurs and investors should keep a close eye on potential ripple effects in the market and the broader financial landscape.