Lena Petrova: First US Bank Collapses in 2026 and it won’t be the Last

The first U.S. bank failure of 2026 has sent ripples through the financial sector, as Metropolitan Capital Bank and Trust in Chicago was shut down by Illinois regulators due to unsafe and unsound financial conditions. This unexpected event has raised concerns about the stability of smaller U.S. banks, particularly in the face of rising interest rates, tightening liquidity, and volatile economic conditions. In a swift response, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) stepped in to manage the crisis, orchestrating a quiet takeover by First Independence Bank of Detroit. This decisive action was designed to protect depositors and maintain financial stability,…