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Signature Bank is again in the news a week after the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) shut down the bank in order to prevent a domino effect from Silicon Valley Bank's implosion last March 9.

The NYDFS initially shut down the bank as part of a preventive measure in order to protect depositors and ensure that customers get their deposits back. The next step was the United States Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) announcement yesterday March 19 that Signature Bank's deposits and loans will be taken over by Michigan-based Flagstar Bank. The agreement will see $38.4 billion worth of deposits and $12.9 billion in loans taken over by Flagstar.

This seems to be part of a bigger plan to combat the banking crisis that seems to be looming over the United States and prevent its further escalation. It might be recalled that a recent economic analysis on the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) collapse said that as much as 186 banks in the US are at risk of insolvency. The Federal Reserve then announced a swap line network with the central banks of Japan, England, Canada, Switzerland, as well as the European Central Bank. How this all might unfold is still up for speculation. SVB's collapse caused a ripple effect in the crypto industry, while in the traditional financial sector, this effect was most notable in Switzerland, with the impact felt on Credit Suisse.

As for whether cryptocurrency deposits will be affected, the FDIC has clarified that the deal does not include Signature's digital asset deposits. Previously, the agency has also stated that the decision for Signature's closure was not in any way related to cryptocurrency. But it should be noted that Signature, as well as SVB and Silvergate were among the top banks providing services to the crypto sector. Whatever the FDIC's motives are for Signature's closure and whether it will eventually include crypto deposits or not, the whole debacle just might point to a more optimistic view of cryptocurrency as an alternative to the traditional banking system, helmed as it is by the United States.

The relationship between banking regulation and crypto firms has been a subject of contention for some time now. Fiduciary policies have often been at odds with the decentralization and freedom that cryptocurrencies promise. While many crypto firms have sought to distance themselves from traditional banks, others have increasingly embraced banking services, leading to accusations of a "sellout" within the crypto community.

Historically, there has been an antagonistic relationship between crypto and banks, dating back to the inception of Bitcoin. Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of Bitcoin, inscribed a message on the genesis block, referencing the UK Chancellor's bailout for banks: "The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks."

This message itself underscores the distrust of centralized financial institutions and the need for a decentralized alternative. As more crypto firms partner with banks or even become part of the banking system themselves, there is a growing concern that the original vision of cryptocurrencies is being compromised. By aligning with banks, these firms risk undermining the very principles that made cryptocurrencies attractive in the first place: decentralization, financial autonomy, and resistance to censorship.

On the other hand, proponents of these partnerships argue that the integration of crypto services into the traditional financial sector is necessary for mass adoption and mainstream acceptance. They maintain that a balance can be struck between the regulatory demands of banking authorities and the unique features of cryptocurrencies.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Opinions stated herein are solely of the author's, and hence do not represent or reflect CryptoDaily's position on the matter. The author has no stakes in any of the digital assets and securities mentioned, and does not have any significant hold of own any cryptocurrency or token discussed.

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Flagstar to Take Over Signature Bank's Deposits - Crypto Daily