In March 2023, the U.S. banking sector faced a significant crisis with the failure of three large banks, including Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), which was under the supervision of the Federal Reserve. These failures triggered a wave of panic, leading to runs on other banks and prompting government intervention to protect deposits exceeding $250,000. This incident highlighted vulnerabilities in the current regulatory framework, which has been criticized for being ineffective and lacking incentives for diligence among financial institutions [02e0208e].
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) reported a staggering 516 bank failures from 2009 to 2023, underscoring a troubling trend in the banking industry. Major financial crises have occurred in 1989, 2008, and 2023, resulting in losses of $390 billion, $515 billion, and $319 billion respectively. These figures raise concerns about the efficacy of existing regulations and the need for a more robust oversight mechanism [02e0208e].
In light of these challenges, some experts are advocating for a shift towards a privatized regulatory structure. This proposal involves the establishment of private monitoring groups and deposit insurance syndicates that could provide a more stable banking environment. The argument is that a privatized system could enhance accountability and diligence among banks, potentially preventing future crises [02e0208e].
As the Federal Reserve considers adjustments to banking regulations, including potential changes to the GSIB surcharge, the conversation around banking oversight is evolving. The aggregate capital of U.S. banks was reported at $2.260 trillion in Q1 2023, indicating a substantial financial base that could support a transition to a more privatized regulatory approach [02e0208e].
Meanwhile, in India, the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was green-flagged in the Lok Sabha on December 3, 2024. This bill proposes 19 amendments aimed at improving governance, protecting depositors, and enhancing customer convenience. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the importance of better governance and audit quality within the banking sector. Notably, the bill allows for up to four nominees for bank accounts and addresses the issue of unclaimed assets, which reached Rs 78,000 crore as of March 2024 [b025d180].
The amendments also include an increase in the substantial interest limit for directorships from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 2 crore and an extension of directors' tenure in cooperative banks from 8 to 10 years. However, opposition parties have raised concerns that the bill may be a step towards privatization, alongside worries about cybersecurity and data privacy. Sitharaman defended the financial stability of public sector banks, asserting that they can raise capital independently [b025d180].