SVB collapse symptom of 'easy money' over systemic banking issues

Collapse is not an echo of 2008 - this time it is different

James Baxter-Derrington
clock • 7 min read

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank is not an early indicator of a 2008-style economic crisis, experts have said, instead arguing the fall of the institution is a symptom of the end of a period of “free-and-easy money”.

While many have asked whether the largest bank failure since the Global Financial Crisis portends a second similar event, most argue the idiosyncratic nature of SVB's business is to blame for its collapse, rather than systemic issues in the banking situation. This morning (13 March), HSBC bought the firm's UK arm, purchasing SVB UK for £1, along with all its liabilities, a move which had been brokered with the support of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. As a result, all depositors of SVB UK had access to their deposits and banking services restored, with no taxpayer...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

OBR chair says leak could have come from 'external person'

OBR chair says leak could have come from 'external person'

OBR faces scrutiny after key document shared before Budget

Jen Frost
clock 27 November 2025 • 2 min read
Budget 25: Early OBR reports downgrades UK growth outlook as fiscal headroom doubles

Budget 25: Early OBR reports downgrades UK growth outlook as fiscal headroom doubles

OBR report released in 'unprecedented leak'

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 26 November 2025 • 1 min read
Budget 25: Council tax surcharge for £2m properties revealed

Budget 25: Council tax surcharge for £2m properties revealed

High Value Council Tax Surcharge in place from April 2028

Jen Frost
clock 26 November 2025 • 2 min read