US Federal Reserve to cease funding lifeline to banks in crisis

ISTANBUL (AA) – The US Federal Reserve announced on Thursday that a program used to facilitate lending to banks in times of crisis will be terminated on March 11.

Announcing the end of the Bank Term Funding Program (BTFP), the Fed said that after March 11, “banks and other depository institutions will continue to have ready access to the discount window to meet liquidity needs.”

The program was created as a result of the failure of Silicon Valley Bank in March 2023, as tensions rose amid other bank failures and rising inflation, fueling uncertainties in global markets.

The program was crucial in maintaining the stability of the banking system and supporting the economy during a period of stress last spring, according to the statement.

However, the interest rate for new loans under the program will not be lower than the interest rate on reserve balances, aligning with the current interest rate environment, said the bank.