May 2, 2023
Silicon Valley Bank: Mismanagement Is Not an Excuse for Inefficient Regulation

Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) is a financial institution that has been providing banking services to technology and life science companies for over 35 years. The bank has been a key player in the growth of the technology industry in the United States, providing financing and other services to startups and established companies alike. However, recent events have raised concerns about the bank's management and its ability to comply with regulatory requirements.
In March 2021, the Federal Reserve Board announced that it had issued a consent order against SVB, citing deficiencies in the bank's risk management and compliance practices. The order requires the bank to take a number of corrective actions, including improving its risk management and compliance programs, enhancing its board oversight, and submitting a written plan to address the deficiencies identified by the Fed.
The consent order is a serious matter for SVB, as it could result in significant financial penalties and reputational damage. However, some have argued that the bank's management should not be held responsible for the regulatory deficiencies, as they were the result of rapid growth and a lack of resources.
This argument is misguided. While it is true that SVB has experienced rapid growth in recent years, this is not an excuse for failing to comply with regulatory requirements. Banks have a responsibility to manage their risks and comply with applicable laws and regulations, regardless of their size or growth trajectory.
Moreover, SVB is not a small startup struggling to keep up with regulatory requirements. The bank has over $100 billion in assets and is one of the largest providers of banking services to the technology industry. It has a duty to its customers, shareholders, and the broader financial system to maintain robust risk management and compliance programs.
The fact that SVB has been able to grow rapidly while complying with regulatory requirements is a testament to the bank's management and its commitment to sound risk management practices. However, the recent deficiencies identified by the Fed suggest that the bank may have become complacent or overextended in its efforts to support the technology industry.
In conclusion, mismanagement is not an excuse for inefficient regulation. Banks like SVB have a responsibility to manage their risks and comply with applicable laws and regulations, regardless of their size or growth trajectory. The recent consent order against SVB should serve as a wake-up call for the bank and the broader financial industry, reminding us all of the importance of sound risk management and compliance practices.