Jamie Dimon is vying to take control of First Republic Bank, report says, after JPMorgan steered clear of SVB
Business InsiderDec 24, 2022
The Facts
JPMorgan Chase on Monday purchased all of troubled First Republic Bank’s deposits, and most of its assets, after regulators seized it in an effort to head off further US banking turmoil.
JPMorgan will take on $173B of loans, $30B of securities, and $92B in deposits but not First Republic’s corporate debt or preferred stock. JPMorgan said it would recognize a one-off $2.6B gain and expected a $500M-a-year increase in net income.
The Spin
Narrative A
This situation is another example of the consolidation of wealth in the US, and only the largest banks can play the game. Instead of regulators and executives looking for band-aid solutions to serious problems, they should be enhancing and executing regulations to avoid these crises. This deal is a disservice to the country.
Narrative B
JPMorgan has saved the day again. With panic causing a major dip in the stock market, the bank was able to buy First Republic and help avert another SVB-like crisis. Anyone with an interest in the economy should be thankful JPMorgan cleaned up this mess.
