Having spent a summer 26 years ago working with the FDIC, I fear that that will be the case. What we worked on back then was a system to help the FDIC handle the assets that it acquired when it took over a failed bank. The FDIC's role is to sell those assets and get as much money as possible as quickly as it can so that it can pay people to whom the failed bank owes money.
Bloomberg reported that IndyMac failed due to a run by depositors who left the California mortgage lender with insufficient cash. Fortunately for depositors, customers will have access to funds this weekend via ATMs. IndyMac trails only the former Continental Illinois -- which was the biggest financial institution to close -- back in 1984.
A great book about the failure of its business partner, Penn Square Bank, Belly Up, reveals the important role of syndication -- originating a loan and then selling it to someone else -- in the failure of financial institutions.
Comfort Zone Investing: The unmighty dollar
Five winners of a weak dollar
For a quick-read on the U.S. economy, check the price of gasoline
