WSJ Report: The Seizure and Sale of First Republic Bank to JPMorgan Chase

by | Jul 8, 2023 | Bank Failures | 41 comments

WSJ Report: The Seizure and Sale of First Republic Bank to JPMorgan Chase




First Republic Bank was seized by the FDIC early Monday and a deal was struck to sell the bulk of its operations to JPMorgan Chase, a move that regulators hope will stabilize the industry and cut down on customer panic. This comes after First Republic lost $100 billion in deposits following the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.

WSJ’s Ben Eisen explains what led to the bank’s failure and what it means for customers, investors and the banking industry.

0:00 First Republic is the second-largest bank failure in the U.S.
0:26 Background on First Republic
1:44 JPMorgan Chase’s purchase of First Republic
2:32 What could happen next?

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Why First Republic Bank Was Seized and Sold to JPMorgan Chase

In a surprising turn of events, First Republic Bank, a prominent financial institution, was recently seized by regulatory authorities and subsequently sold to JPMorgan Chase. This unexpected development has raised questions about the underlying causes and implications of the seizure. In this article, we dive into the reasons behind the seizure and analyze the potential consequences of this takeover.

First Republic Bank had long been regarded as a stable and successful banking institution, with a strong presence in the market and a solid customer base. Its reputation as a reliable financial partner made the sudden seizure even more bewildering for its clients and stakeholders. However, a closer look at the bank’s operations reveals some critical issues that ultimately led to its downfall.

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One of the main reasons behind the seizure was the bank’s exposure to risky assets and loans. In recent years, First Republic Bank had become increasingly involved in speculative lending, particularly in the real estate sector, which exposed it to potential losses in the event of a housing market downturn. The bank’s management had pursued aggressive growth strategies without adequately assessing potential risks, leaving it vulnerable to economic fluctuations.

Additionally, the bank had failed to effectively manage its balance sheet and maintain sufficient capital reserves. As regulatory requirements became stricter in the aftermath of the global financial crisis, First Republic Bank struggled to comply with the increasingly stringent standards. Its capital ratios fell below regulatory thresholds, making it prone to stricter oversight and potential closure.

Moreover, allegations of unethical practices also played a significant role in the seizure and subsequent sale. Reports had surfaced suggesting that some bank officials had engaged in fraudulent activities, such as inflating asset values or misrepresenting financial statements. These illegal practices further eroded public trust and triggered regulatory scrutiny, leading to the forced takeover.

In light of these challenges, regulatory authorities had no choice but to step in and assert control over First Republic Bank. They deemed it necessary to protect the interests of the depositors and ensure the stability of the financial system. Consequently, the bank was sold to JPMorgan Chase, a larger and more established institution capable of absorbing First Republic Bank’s operations and managing its risks effectively. JPMorgan Chase’s acquisition aligns with its strategy of expanding its market share by acquiring distressed financial institutions.

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The seizure and acquisition of First Republic Bank have significant consequences both for its clients and the banking industry. First and foremost, customers of the bank may face uncertainty regarding the continuity of their banking relationships and the safety of their deposits. However, the transfer of operations to JPMorgan Chase should provide reassurance that their accounts will continue to be managed by a reputable institution.

On a broader scale, the seizure highlights the importance of effective risk management and compliance in the banking sector. It serves as a reminder that even successful banks can face substantial challenges if they deviate from prudent practices. Regulatory authorities are likely to intensify their oversight and demand stricter compliance to prevent similar incidents in the future.

In conclusion, the seizure and subsequent sale of First Republic Bank to JPMorgan Chase signify the repercussions of a combination of factors, including risky lending practices, inadequate capital reserves, and unethical conduct. The action taken by regulatory authorities was necessary to protect the interests of depositors and maintain the stability of the financial system. While the seizure may cause temporary disruption for the bank’s clients, the acquisition by JPMorgan Chase offers a more secure future for their banking relationships.

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41 Comments

  1. Holy Almighty Creator Group Believers from yr.2015

    Why is it strongest disaster never stop?
    1.) 8 Billions of money every month to receive for all 1,000 most beautiful women name holder title of Almighty Creators Group in every Island from every Country.

  2. Holy Almighty Creator Group Believers from yr.2015

    1.) 5-10 Billions of money job payment every month to all Politicians and Government workers in every Country including all the Government Laws should be Implemented in every Country that I have written in the comments.

  3. CG_VON

    I think this can be caused by many reasons. One thing is panic by the people is key here. When account holders begin to withdraw large amounts of cash this could increase the bank failure level. The banks uses your deposits to make money. Another problem could be market and the interest rate which may lost its value. The bank was engage in a digital exchange of currency that is very risky to take on. The banks could have poor management and business choices. There could be reduce regulations on the bank or banks. Reduce laws creates the need to do something extreme.

    In cases of bank failures, the people with protected accounts should be redeem for the full value of their accounts. There should not be panic. The panic has to do with conditions which creates uncertainty. This may extend to the banking as a whole or single or small group of banks.

    There is major need for banking reforms. The banks have power to create money in most cases which allows it to use what it does not. They are using people money and making questionable decisions.

  4. jasen lejeune

    Reason for this, the big banks want to buy up all banks so the government has control over all money all assets etc…..can't let this happen…..you know it stinks when government and FBI is involved

  5. mike miller

    After a few years of keeping my savings in B of A (because I was afraid of loosing it investing it) I decided to look around as the interest rates were rising..so In Jan. I visited First Republic's Oakland office and moved my savings to a 4% CD earning over 1,000 a month with a 8 month time frame. Now look what happened.. I received a letter from Chase which said they plan on upholding the agreements I made with FR.. I'm afraid of the stock market ..dont know what i'm doing. oh well !

  6. Anonymous

    The downfall of SVB has had a significant impact on the global financial markets, leading investors to hastily sell off bank stocks and revise their interest rate projections. As an investor with a portfolio of $350k, I am now at a critical juncture, questioning the wisdom of holding onto depreciating stocks. In this bearish market, I am seeking advice on the best strategies to maximize my returns.

  7. jackie biskan

    im so sacred of a bank run i have 7 bank accounts all under 150k i dont even want to be near the 250 max

  8. Mathieu Vanhulle

    As explained, this was caused by panic and fear in the market. After SVB and Sig.B, fear of First-Rep's position caused a bank run that destabilized its liquidity position

    Maybe now it's time for the USA to introduce Basel III and IV for regional banks too, as in Europe. It strengthens the liquidity position and more importantly, it creates confidence in the banking system

  9. Plucky Bellhop

    People here are talking about having hundreds of thousands but I'm just trying to protect my rent. Must be nice to be you.

  10. Elburion

    200 Billion of Assets seized at the expense of shareholders and given to Jamie Dimon to cover his legal defense for his connection to Epstein, what a riot this is becoming.

  11. DET48210 michigan

    Just imagine for a second this all happened under Trump

  12. Darnell Capriccioso

    First SVB, then signature bank and now first republic bank, these are all the signs of yet another 2008 market crash 2.0 , so my question is do I still save in the United States dollar or is this a good time to buy gold?

  13. ctwatcher

    We the People were going to buy it with a gofundme account but here comes Dimon the thief again. Has anyone checked these suits for sores under them that might be contagious?

  14. Austin B

    We’re in a recession

  15. 宇文长欣

    The system is collapsing?

  16. California Caveman Dastardly Dave

    Meanwhile if you're a goof like me who didnt know this and accepted a business check this weekend and now my bank put a hold on it for ten days and I have 15 people waiting to be paid…

  17. Bill Deautreve

    Tell us about Epsteins Democrat island

  18. Znyovuddin lavrik

    The stock market is a complex system that is influenced by a variety of factors, including economic indicators, political events, and global trends. The relationship between policies and the stock market can be complex and multifaceted, and it can take time for the full effects of policies to be reflected in market trends. Therefore, it is possible that policies implemented in the past may have a "lagged effect" on the stock market, as their full impact may not be felt until later on.

  19. Robin M

    It's jus circumventing ones problem to another one problem..when chase or BOA collapses govt will fund and makes it look everything normal without resolving the underlying issues

  20. Morshed Reza

    First Republic Bank is sucks. JP Morgan will do better

  21. Finest Bear Hug

    I'm really worried about the current bank crisis. If a bank as big as SVB could fail, I fear for a lot more. I know a friend who is running a high-growth startup, and was badly hit by the bank run. I have pulled out more than $340k from my bank. After all, the FDIC covers only up to$250,000, and the implosion could have bad effect. Looking to invest into the stock market now. Does anyone know how I could go about it?

  22. gemcan54

    THESE BANK FAILURES ARE NOT FAILURES – JUST A LAZY CORRUPT WAY TO STEAL MONEY AND GET GOVERNMENT FDIC MONEY AND THEN PUT IN OFFSHORE ACCOUNTS.

  23. Christie Tang

    Madness! Hahhhm so again citizens pay for loss and banks gets bigger taking advantage of failure!!! Corrrruptiion disgusting evil system.

  24. GODIZ

    The feds got their money ……

  25. Daniel Scalera

    The bank failures will continue until JP Morgan is the last bank standing

  26. Donald wayne

    With the way the market is moving, we'll mostly hold for longer than 2030 to realize profit gain, I think a video on "How to profit from the present market" will be more effective, I mean I've heard of people making upto 250K within few months and I'd like to know how.

  27. Dee Bee

    Three of the worst bank collapses in US history happened in the last few months.

    Team Senile Pooppants tried to hide the taxpayer bailout of this latest bank by paying off JP Morgan to absorb the cancer so they can pretend like it was magically cured and it just went away.

    We're definitely not in a recession though, that's for sure.

  28. Nice Guy - 纪思豪

    The US national debt is more than $31 trillion, with 38% of it held by foreign entities. The US also has $38 trillion in unfunded Medicare liabilities and $17 trillion in unfunded Social Security liabilities

    The US dollar is the dominant reserve currency, backed by its perceived strength, allowing the US to print unlimited dollars as long as the world maintains trust in it. The US dollar is the backbone of US power, and any actions that undermine confidence in the currency threaten to destabilize its position of dominance. Each unilateral sanction imposed by the US risk damaging the stability and credibility of the US dollar, leading to dire consequences for the nation's power and influence. The US is the only country actively undermining the strength of the US dollar. The freezing of Russia's $300 billion currency reserve by Western governments may lead countries to reconsider investing their funds in US Treasury bonds.

    A significant portion of US dollars is held outside the US, estimated at 60-70% of all US dollars in circulation, due to its status as the dominant reserve currency and wide use in international trade and finance. The one trillion dollar trade deficit of the US is a consequence of being the reserve currency, as a strong dollar makes it difficult for US businesses to export goods and services while simultaneously making it easier for other countries to sell to the US. Countries are shipping goods to the US in exchange for green pieces of paper.

    The US budget deficit is $1.38 trillion in 2022 which must be paid for by selling more Treasury bonds. The interest on this debt is greater than the military budget. To pay the interest on its debt, the government sells more Treasury bonds, leading to a cycle of increasing debt. The US printing of dollars has been exporting inflation in other countries for decades, but will eventually increase US inflation. Raising interest rates to fight inflation decreases consumer and business spending, increases the trade deficit, and higher interest payments on government debt. Other countries will respond to the US raising of interest rate by raising their interest rate, risking global recession. The Plaza Accord addressed this issue in the past, but it will be challenging to implement such measures now.

    A well-run country collects taxes to fund essential services and infrastructure. In the US political system, wealthy corporations and individuals can lobby for tax breaks. The shortfall in funding for the US government has reached $31 trillion. Instead of collecting taxes from wealthy corporations and individuals, the government pays interest to them.

    Banks hold Treasury bonds for their safety, liquidity, regulatory compliance, and potential profitability. When interest rates on Treasury bonds rise sharply, the decrease in bond values reduces liquidity and makes it harder for banks to raise cash quickly. This causes depositors to lose confidence, triggering a bank run. In response to the current bank run, the government is issuing Treasury bonds to raise funds to compensate depositors for any lost funds. There are $19 trillion in deposits in US banks. The estimated unrealized loss on these treasuries is $1.7 trillion. The total size of US banks' equity is $2.1 trillion.

    The new Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP) help prevents discounted bondholders from taking losses when they have to sell them urgently. The BTFP accepts discounted bonds at face value to be used as pledges for loans to inject more money into the economy. More inflation.

    It's a Ponzi scheme.

  29. Beth A

    "Shareholders are losing their investments" "and now I'll go celebrate with my favorite ice cream"

  30. Beth A

    Taxpayers are always "on the hook"–stop lying Biden!

  31. chris terry

    Why don’t people just not pull all their money out?

  32. Ed Burke

    Biden says the taxpayers are not on the hook for this? Do people actually believe this babbling old dementia patient? The taxpayers are the only ones on the hook for this.

  33. Liquid Peace

    Getting away with it, all F-ed up, that is a broken, corrupt system. Rules only apply when they fall in line with the insidious paradigm. Enough, U don't need the Government's or the twisted banking system's permission, Buy BTC, don't be a fool to the rigged system.

  34. K

    If you voted for Biden, then you are responsible for this bank failure. Take a bow!!

  35. Emily_Quinn

    Key Bank has a 65% Bank Failure Rate at this time.

  36. vip_supercars

    Welcome to Joe Biden economy. Inflation, banks failing, sending over $100 billion to Ukraine.

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