The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. is considering a plan, supported by the banking industry, to borrow from healthy banks to replenish its insurance fund, the New York Times reported online late Monday, citing senior regulators familiar with the matter.
The prospect of such a move comes amid the reluctance of FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair to tap a $100 billion credit line from the Treasury for the fund, which protects depositors but is strained from bank bailouts.
The agency, however, may instead opt for a mix of borrowing from banks to cover short-term needs and a special fee on banks for longer-term priorities, officials said. A proposed plan from the FDIC is expected next week.
