FDIC Update on IndyMac Bank

The blame game is in full force after Friday’s late news that IndyMac Bank was being closed by the FDIC. Bush administration officials have blamed Senator Schumer, Schumer has blamed IndyMac executives, and regulators are blaming the media for misrepresenting the story. Today the FDIC released a statement regarding the media frezy in an effort to calm the public perception about the US banking system. FDIC Chairman Sheila C. Bair’s statement reads:

“Over the past weekend, I have seen news reports which have fairly and accurately reported on the conversion of Indy Mac Bank into a conservatorship operated by the FDIC. I have also seen inaccurate and inflammatory reporting which could well cause needless, unnecessary worry and angst among bank depositors throughout the country.

That fact is that for insured depositors, IndyMac’s conversion has been largely a non-event. The more than 200,000 customers of IndyMac with deposits of $18 billion are fully protected. It’s important to keep in mind that the small percentage of uninsured are still covered for their insured amounts and half of their uninsured money. As assets of IndyMac are sold, they may receive even more. They have had continued access to their funds through ATMs, debit cards, and writing checks over the weekend, and on Monday morning, it will be business as usual.

All bank depositors should understand that their insured deposits are safe. IndyMac is only one of 8,494 depository institutions operating throughout the country and represents only .2 percent of banking industry assets. The overwhelming majority of banks in this country are safe and sound. The chance that your own bank will be taken over by the FDIC is extremely remote. And if that does happen, you will continue to have virtually uninterrupted access to your insured deposits.

All bank depositors should also understand that they can have insurance coverage in excess of the basic limits of $100,000 per institution, with an additional $250,000 per institution for IRAs. For instance, subject to certain conditions, single and joint accounts are separately insured, and revocable trusts generally provide $100,000 of coverage per beneficiary. If you have any questions about whether your deposits are insured, we encourage you to consult with your bank or contact our deposit insurance specialists at 1-877-ASK-FDIC. If you find that you are not fully insured, it may be possible to restructure your accounts to bring your deposits below the insured limits. But first get the facts before making any changes in your accounts or banking relationships.

The banking system in this country remains on a solid footing through the guarantees provided by FDIC insurance. Our industry-funded reserves are strong and our insurance guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United State Government. No bank depositor has ever lost a penny of insured deposits. On this, our 75th anniversary, we will continue that proud tradition.”