MARCH 2023
Hi
I trust you witnessed the market roller coaster of the past month when:
- Two banks in the United States failed (Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank). The U.S. government made sweeping promises to
depositors that money would be available but nevertheless sent fear throughout the global banking system
- Credit Suisse, the second-largest bank in Switzerland, collapsed in March 2023 and was bought by rival UBS to avoid a larger systematic risk for the entire banking system
Lessons to be learned? These were not "risky" banks in emerging markets. However, they had a fair amount of mismanagement. Unfortunately, clients tend to be the last
to know about it.
As such, as a golden rule, I tend to diversify not only among my securities (financial assets) but even among banks. The financial system is fragile. Period. You might get your money back, but it will take time and effort. Diversification among "high quality" products and providers is a great mitigation measure.
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