Signature Bank

Signature Bank was a New York-based, full-service commercial bank that primarily served business clients with a focus on personalized relationship banking. Established in 2001, the institution rapidly grew by offering commercial real estate lending, commercial and industrial loans, and a range of deposit and specialty finance services. Signature Bank distinguished itself through its early and substantial involvement in digital asset banking, notably launching the Signet payment network in 2019 to facilitate real-time blockchain-based fund transfers for approved clients, including those in cryptocurrency-related industries. At its height, the bank supported a diverse portfolio across commercial real estate, private equity, mortgage servicing, and venture banking, with additional equipment financing and investment services provided through subsidiaries. By the end of 2022, Signature Bank managed over $110 billion in assets and maintained a strong presence in several U.S. states. However, due to systemic risk factors—particularly from its digital asset exposure—the bank was closed and taken into receivership by the FDIC in March 2023. Today, shares of Signature Bank continue to trade over-the-counter, serving as a prominent example of both the opportunities and risks inherent in banking innovation and sector volatility.