• The FDIC keeps a "watch list" of banks that may be experiencing financial problems. Unfortunately, the FDIC does not make the names of the banks on the list available to the public. They do, however, provide a list of outside bank rating services that can help consumers assess the financial stability of a variety of different banking institutions.

    November 25, 2008: Numbers released by the FDIC today show that the "bank watch list" grew to include 171 institutions, its largest total since 1995. However, a mere 2% of FDIC-regulated banks are now on its watch list, compared to about 10% in the late 1980s.

    Banks also reported their lowest quarterly net income since 1990, as one in five bank recored a net loss for the third quarter 2008.CNNMoney: Problem banks rise to 13-year high (November 25, 2008)

    1. The FDIC does not publish the names or ratings of the banks that are on the "Watch List"FDIC: Bank Rating Services
    2. 117 Banks on the watch list as of August 27, 2008ABC Action News: FDIC bank 'watch list' grows (August 27, 2008)
    3. 9 U.S. banks have failed so far this year as of August

  • Quotes

    "These are challenging times...More banks will come on the list as credit problems worsen." —FDIC chairman, Sheila Bair