On Friday, Silicon Valley Bank collapsed and was taken over by regulators, and then on Sunday, regulators swooped in and shut down New York’s Signature Bank. What in the world is going on? Another question that lingers is what exactly happens when a large bank collapses.

A large bank collapse can have significant and far-reaching consequences for the financial system and the economy. Here are some of the potential effects:

1. Loss of Deposits: Depositors who have their funds in the bank may lose some or all of their money. The amount of the loss depends on the level of deposit protection available. In some cases, depositors may be compensated up to a certain amount, while in others, they may lose all their deposits. This can be particularly problematic for individuals and businesses who rely on these funds to meet their day-to-day expenses or for investment purposes.
   
2. Credit Tightening: Banks play a critical role in providing credit to individuals and businesses. A bank collapse can result in tightening credit conditions, making it more difficult for companies to access the funding they need to invest and grow. This can lead to job losses and slower economic growth.
   
3. Economic Instability: The collapse of a large bank can erode confidence in the financial system as a whole. In extreme cases, this can lead to a broader financial crisis. Individuals and companies hesitate to deposit funds in any institution, destabilizing the banking system and the broader economy.
   
4. Bailouts: Governments may rescue the failing bank to prevent its collapse and stabilize the economy. Bailouts can take various forms, such as injecting capital into the bank, nationalizing the bank, or facilitating a merger with a more robust bank.
   
5. Regulatory Changes: After a bank collapse, regulators may introduce new regulations to prevent similar events from happening in the future. These regulations could include stricter requirements for banks to maintain adequate levels of capital and liquidity and greater oversight of the banking industry.
   

In summary, the collapse of a large bank can have significant and far-reaching consequences for the financial system and the economy. While deposit protection schemes and regulatory measures can provide some protection, there is always the risk of financial institutions running into difficulty. It’s essential to monitor the health of banks and take action if necessary to prevent a collapse and mitigate the impact if it does occur.