Try unlimited access
Try full digital access and see why over 1 million readers subscribe to the FT
Only
$1 for 4 weeks
Explore our subscriptions
Individual
Find the plan that suits you best.
Group
Premium access for businesses and educational institutions.
Read More
The recent implosion of the SwissValue Bank (SVB) has left many financial experts wondering how such a large and influential institution could suddenly collapse. The answer may lie in policy compromises, which are needed in order to resolve the SVB implosion.
When analyzing the SVB implosion, a crucial factor to consider is the cause of the implosion. It appears that the bank was simply unable to manage its high-risk, high-leverage trading strategies and investments, which ultimately led to the balance sheet becoming too strained. Therefore, the policy compromises that must be made require the institution to drastically adjust its operations and reduce its level of risk-taking.
To begin, SVB should reduce its leverage in order to prevent any further decay of its financial position. This means that SVB should reduce its risk exposure by primarily engaging in more conservative investments, such as Treasury bonds. Additionally, SVB should increase its liquidity, as this will help ensure that it meets its obligations if market conditions become more volatile.
Furthermore, the bank should reassess its risk management strategies and ensure that adequate systems are in place to prevent any further undesirable scenarios from occurring. For example, the bank should implement stronger internal controls, such as creating strict exposure limits, and conducting more frequent stress tests. Additionally, SVB should ensure that adequate systemic risk management practices are in place to guard against any future financial events.
In conclusion, the policy compromises needed to resolve the SVB implosion involve reducing leverage, increasing liquidity, and improving risk management strategies. These measures will help to ensure that the institution is able to sustain itself in the long-term, while providing financial security to its clients and stakeholders. In turn, this will help to restore confidence in the financial system.