Number of problem banks on the FDIC's list is highest since 1993

By Ronald D. Orol, Market Watch

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) - The number of distressed banks in the U.S. rose to the highest level in sixteen years in the third quarter, and the insurance fund used to protect bank depositors swung to a negative balance, according to a report released by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Tuesday.

The number of troubled banks rose to 552 at the end of September from 416 at the end of June and 305 at the end of March, the FDIC said in its third-quarter report. This is the largest number of banks on its "problem list" since the end of 1993.
Rest of Story