Core Insights - The U.S. government intervened during the regional banking crisis in 2023, promising to protect uninsured depositors and limit contagion risks [1][2] - The resolution of PacWest Bancorp involved a private-sector rescue, with significant capital injections from private equity firms [3][12] - The Federal Reserve played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in facilitating the sale of PacWest, incentivizing private equity firms to invest [4][10] Government Intervention - Following the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, the government took actions to protect depositors and stabilize the banking sector [1] - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) provided 80% loss coverage on loans during the First Republic Bank acquisition by JPMorganChase [2] PacWest Bancorp's Situation - PacWest faced rapid deposit flight and liquidity issues, leading to its eventual sale to Banc of California [3][19] - The bank had sold $1 billion in securities at a loss and experienced significant deposit outflows following the collapse of SVB [19][20] Role of the Federal Reserve - Comments from banking lawyer Randall Guynn revealed that the Fed expedited the approval process for the TIAA bank sale, which was unrelated to the banking crisis, to facilitate a private-sector solution for PacWest [4][10][11] - The Fed's general counsel indicated readiness to approve the TIAA transaction quickly, influenced by private equity firms' willingness to invest in troubled banks [11][12] Private Equity Involvement - Warburg Pincus and Centerbridge Partners committed a combined $400 million to the PacWest deal, demonstrating the viability of private-sector solutions amid liquidity crises [3][23][25] - The involvement of private equity firms was complicated by regulatory scrutiny, as they cannot control banks under current regulations [9] Regulatory Environment - The approval process for bank mergers and acquisitions slowed under the Biden administration compared to previous administrations, impacting the timeline for TIAA's bank sale [8][9] - The rapid approval of the TIAA transaction highlighted that regulatory processes can be expedited when there is a perceived need for urgency [15][16] Industry Implications - The events surrounding PacWest and the role of the Fed may reignite discussions about the appropriateness of the Fed's involvement in private-sector deals during crises [10][37] - Concerns have been raised about the potential for conflicts of interest and the revolving door between government and private sectors, particularly involving former officials like Tim Geithner [32][36]