header banner
Default

As the cryptocurrency market surpasses $1 trillion, Bitcoin rises as much as 10% S provides a safety net for SVB depositors


Table of Contents

    Jakub Porzycki | Nurphoto | Getty Images

    Cryptocurrencies rallied on Monday as the U.S. government moved to protect depositors of the collapsed Silicon Valley Bank and HSBC bought the lender's U.K. arm.

    Bitcoin was last higher by 5% at $22,374.68, according to Coin Metrics data. Ether rose 2% to $1,585.58.

    The overall cryptocurrency market gained more than $70 billion in the 24 hours to 2 a.m. ET, jumping back above $1 trillion on Monday.

    It has been a rollercoaster ride for crypto markets after the collapse last week of Silvergate Capital, a major lender to the crytpo industry. Silvergate said Wednesday it is winding down operations and liquidating its bank.

    Then came the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank on Friday in what was the biggest banking failure since the 2008 financial crisis.

    Both Silvergate and SVB put their money into U.S. Treasurys which have lost value as the U.S. Federal Reserve has raised interested rates. These banks have been forced to sell these bonds at a loss to shore up their capital position.

    That was followed on Sunday by the closure of Signature Bank, a major lender in the crypto industry, by U.S. regulators to stem any contagion to the broader banking sector.

    Sanome CEO: Quietly optimistic about markets after extremely difficult 48 hours

    These moves by regulators to create a backstop for SVB and protect depositors in these institutions has boosted investor confidence.

    The U.S. Treasury, Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said Sunday that depositors of SVB will have access to all of their money starting Monday.

    "No losses associated with the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank will be borne by the taxpayer," the regulators said.

    Depositors at Signature Bank will be "made whole," they added.

    "Given the Fed announcement over the weekend of a backstop for banks and specifically Silicon Valley Bank, markets have turned euphoric knowing that depositors' money is safe and a major potential bank run has been averted," Vijay Ayyar, vice president of corporate development and international at crypto exchange Luno, told CNBC via email.

    Adding to that, HSBC said it had agreed to acquire the U.K. arm of SVB for £1 ($1.21). The U.K. Treasury said Monday that "no taxpayer money is involved, and customer deposits have been protected."

    Sources


    Article information

    Author: Nicholas Cobb

    Last Updated: 1702295161

    Views: 924

    Rating: 4.5 / 5 (104 voted)

    Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Nicholas Cobb

    Birthday: 1930-09-17

    Address: 6803 Johnson Highway Apt. 227, Mindyhaven, IA 55651

    Phone: +4847641729912433

    Job: Carpenter

    Hobby: Web Development, Coffee Roasting, Role-Playing Games, Bird Watching, Calligraphy, Poker, Playing Chess

    Introduction: My name is Nicholas Cobb, I am a skilled, dear, enterprising, bold, Colorful, priceless, transparent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.