SVB Crisis: eToro Cuts Down Leverage on New Positions in Banking Sector

by Solomon Oladipupo
  • The leverage restriction comes days after SVB collapse.
  • eToro said leverages on existing positions remain.
eToro

eToro, an Israel-based social trading network, has reduced the amount of leverage permitted on new trading positions in the banking sector to a maximum of X1. The online trading platform disclosed this on Tuesday in a notice sent to its clients, citing "current situation."

The update comes days after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a US-based lender targeted at early-stage early companies, sent shockwaves across the US and global financial industry. Another US bank, Signature Bank, was abruptly shut down by regulators as a result of the development. In addition, two days before SVB's collapse, crypto-friendly Silvergate Bank wound down its banking operations and voluntarily liquidated its assets in an “orderly manner.”

These developments cast a shadow on US bank shares, with the stock price of First Republic Bank plummeting over 60% on Monday. However, in the notice eToro pointed out that the leverage restriction will only affect future positions as existing positions will be maintained.

SVB Crisis Pushes eToro to Axe Leverage

eToro, which operates in 140 countries including in Cyprus, the UK, the United State and Australia, enables customers to trade in stocks, commodities currencies and contracts for difference. On its platform, eToro enables its clients to trade the stocks of US banks, such as Bank of America, Citi, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase & Co, among other global banks.

However, the development in the US has forced the network to impose restrictions on leverage positions in the industry. “The restriction will remain in place until our risk management criteria allows us to enable additional leverage,” the social trading network noted.

Meanwhile, eToro has been expanding the portfolio of stocks available to its clients. In late January, the company in partnership with UK startup Bridgeweave flagged off ‘InvestorAI-US,’ a new smart portfolio that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide retail investors with exposure to the stocks of 12 high-growth US companies. Moreover, the company recently launched SocialSentiment, a new portfolio that offers retail investors exposure to US-listed companies known for their solid environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts.

eToro, an Israel-based social trading network, has reduced the amount of leverage permitted on new trading positions in the banking sector to a maximum of X1. The online trading platform disclosed this on Tuesday in a notice sent to its clients, citing "current situation."

The update comes days after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), a US-based lender targeted at early-stage early companies, sent shockwaves across the US and global financial industry. Another US bank, Signature Bank, was abruptly shut down by regulators as a result of the development. In addition, two days before SVB's collapse, crypto-friendly Silvergate Bank wound down its banking operations and voluntarily liquidated its assets in an “orderly manner.”

These developments cast a shadow on US bank shares, with the stock price of First Republic Bank plummeting over 60% on Monday. However, in the notice eToro pointed out that the leverage restriction will only affect future positions as existing positions will be maintained.

SVB Crisis Pushes eToro to Axe Leverage

eToro, which operates in 140 countries including in Cyprus, the UK, the United State and Australia, enables customers to trade in stocks, commodities currencies and contracts for difference. On its platform, eToro enables its clients to trade the stocks of US banks, such as Bank of America, Citi, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase & Co, among other global banks.

However, the development in the US has forced the network to impose restrictions on leverage positions in the industry. “The restriction will remain in place until our risk management criteria allows us to enable additional leverage,” the social trading network noted.

Meanwhile, eToro has been expanding the portfolio of stocks available to its clients. In late January, the company in partnership with UK startup Bridgeweave flagged off ‘InvestorAI-US,’ a new smart portfolio that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide retail investors with exposure to the stocks of 12 high-growth US companies. Moreover, the company recently launched SocialSentiment, a new portfolio that offers retail investors exposure to US-listed companies known for their solid environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts.

About the Author: Solomon Oladipupo
Solomon Oladipupo
  • 1050 Articles
  • 33 Followers
About the Author: Solomon Oladipupo
Solomon Oladipupo is a journalist and editor from Nigeria that covers the tech, FX, fintech and cryptocurrency industries. He is a former assistant editor at AgroNigeria Magazine where he covered the agribusiness industry. Solomon holds a first-class degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Lagos where he graduated top of his class.
  • 1050 Articles
  • 33 Followers

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