Global Banks on Edge as Fed's Independence Threat Raises Dollar Liquidity Concerns

July 17, 2025
Global Banks on Edge as Fed's Independence Threat Raises Dollar Liquidity Concerns
  • Concerns are mounting over the U.S. Federal Reserve's potential loss of independence under the Trump administration, which could undermine the reliability of dollar access for international banks.

  • Regulators across Europe are reevaluating their dependence on the Fed for dollar liquidity, as recent U.S. policy shifts introduce uncertainties about the stability of dollar support.

  • In response, a major global bank was asked to conduct stress tests simulating a complete freeze of the U.S.-dollar swap market, highlighting fears about dollar availability.

  • Experts warn that no bank could survive more than a few days without access to dollar funding, given the dollar's dominance in the global financial system.

  • The scale of dollar exposure is immense, with the global currency derivatives market valued at $130 trillion, underscoring the systemic importance of the dollar.

  • If banks encounter difficulties in securing dollars, they risk failing to meet cash demands, which could erode depositor confidence and trigger bank failures.

  • As part of stress testing, the Bank has asked lenders to evaluate their dollar funding plans, especially their reliance on the U.S. dollar for short-term needs.

  • The U.S. dollar's central role in global trade and finance makes recent policy changes concerning, raising doubts about the effectiveness of dollar emergency provisions during crises.

  • The Bank of England is actively scrutinizing lenders' resilience to potential dollar shocks, reflecting broader regulatory concerns amid the shifting U.S. political landscape.

  • This renewed focus by the Bank of England is part of a wider trend among regulators to reassess dollar risks in light of recent U.S. policy uncertainties.

Summary based on 1 source


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