The Collapse of Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank: Legal Consequences

The recent bankruptcy of both Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank has sent shockwaves through the financial and legal communities.

Signature Bank, a New York-based bank with over $50 billion in assets, filed for bankruptcy in late 2022 after suffering significant losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Silicon Valley Bank, a California-based bank that specializes in lending to tech startups, also filed for bankruptcy in early 2023. The bank had been struggling due to a sharp decline in the tech industry, which had led to an increase in the number of defaulted loans.

The legal consequences of these bankruptcies are significant, as both banks are subject to a wide range of laws that govern their operations.

For example, under the US Bankruptcy Code, when a bank files for bankruptcy, all of its assets are placed in a bankruptcy estate, which is managed by a court-appointed trustee. The appointed trustee’s primary responsibility is to use the proceeds and assets of the bank to pay off to the bank’s creditors. This process can take months or even years, and it can be complicated by a range of both legal and financial issues, such as disputes over the ownership of assets, the validity of claims, the priority of creditors, and other various non-core disputes (i.e. disputes that are not related to the main or “core” insolvency proceedings)

In addition to the Bankruptcy Code, both Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank are subject to a range of other laws that will impact their bankruptcy proceedings, both in the US and the countries where their branches are located. For example, they may be subject to applicable state’s banking laws, securities laws, consumer protection laws, etc. These laws and regulations can affect the bankruptcy process in a number of ways. For example, they may require the trustee to follow certain procedures when liquidating assets, or they may limit the ability of certain creditors to recover their funds.

Moreover, the bankruptcy of both Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank could have broader implications for the banking industry as a whole. It could lead to increased scrutiny of banks’ lending practices and risk management strategies, as regulators and lawmakers seek to prevent similar failures from occurring in the future. It could also lead to increased pressure on governments to provide financial support to struggling banks.

Overall, the bankruptcy of both Signature Bank and Silicon Valley Bank is a reminder of the fragility of the banking industry and the importance of strong risk management practices. It is also a reminder of the importance of legal and regulatory frameworks that can help to ensure the stability and integrity of the financial system.

For clients of the bankrupt banks, it is important to mention that, as of now, both banks operate normally, and all the clients have access to their respective accounts.