In March 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) failed after a bank run, marking the second-largest bank failure in United States history and the largest since the 2007–2008 financial crisis. SVB’s failure had significant consequences for startup companies and other large technology, media and winery companies, which were affected by the bank’s collapse.

However, the failure of SVB also teaches us several important lessons.

Diversification in investment portfolios

Diversification is crucial in managing investment portfolios. SVB’s decision to shift towards long-term treasury bonds in pursuit of higher returns exposed the bank to significant risk when the value of these bonds decreased due to the Federal Reserve’s increase in interest rates. Diversifying investments across different asset classes and maturities can help manage risk and reduce exposure to market fluctuations.

Maintaining adequate liquidity

Maintaining adequate liquidity is critical for banks to manage unexpected events and maintain their stability. SVB’s failure was triggered by clients withdrawing their funds to meet their liquidity needs, causing a bank run. Banks need to maintain adequate liquidity to manage unexpected events and ensure their stability.

Banks play a critical role in the economy. The failure of SVB had significant consequences for startup companies and other large technology, media and winery companies, which were affected by the bank’s collapse. This underscores the important role banks play in supporting economic growth and the need for regulatory oversight to ensure their stability.

The need for regulatory oversight

The seizure of SVB by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and the subsequent intervention by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC) highlight the importance of regulatory oversight to ensure the stability of the banking system and protect depositors. Banks are subject to regulatory oversight to ensure that they comply with the rules, regulations and guidelines set by regulators.

Amid concerns that the banking crisis sparked by the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank could worsen, the multi-regulator US Financial Stability Oversight Council stated in March 24 that the US banking system remains “sound and resilient”.

The failure of Silicon Valley Bank serves as a reminder of the importance of sound risk management practices, diversification, adequate liquidity and regulatory oversight in the banking industry. Diversification and adequate liquidity can help banks manage unexpected events, while regulatory oversight can ensure their stability and protect depositors.

While the failure of SVB had significant consequences, the lessons learned can help prevent similar failures in the future.

Healy Consultants Group provides a wide range of corporate services across the world. Email or WhatsApp us now to find out more about our services.