In the midst of the “siege” American banks from their customers, some demanding their money and others expressing their concerns in a variety of ways, banking giants such as JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Bank of America take an unprecedented step.

A move that could be interpreted as a sign of concern about his passing banking crisis and social responsibility and sensitivity: they urge their employees to be careful not to make things worse, not to try to poach customers from other banks and, above all, “not to give the impression that they are trying to take advantage of other banks’ problems or widespread uncertainty.” In a memo to its employees, leaked to Reuters, JPMorgan categorically emphasized that “we do not make defamatory comments about our competitors.” On the same day, retail banking executives told employees that “we must refrain from any contact with customers.” troubled banks and from any attempt to attract them to our bank.”

According to sources who spoke to Reuters, Citigroup has given similar guidance to divisional and divisional leaders. According to them, the guidelines explicitly emphasize that any speculation or negative comments and market rumors about other banks should be avoided. At the same time, they draw the attention of bank managers to the fact that when talking with potential clients, they should avoid any discussion about the state of other banks or enterprises.

In addition, Bank of America called its senior management and urged them not to try to lure or in any way attract bank customers in trouble and to avoid any action that could worsen the situation and exacerbate the impending crisis. In addition, Mary Mack, executive director of retail banking at Wells Fargo, sent a memo to bank employees last Thursday emphasizing that “we must not engage in any activity that could be construed as an attempt to take advantage of the current situation for gaining a benefit.” the value of others.”

The recommendations come after the unprecedented speed of deposit movements, as after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, their clients and those of other regional US banks moved about half a trillion in deposits in a few days. dollars from the most “vulnerable US banks” to larger financial institutions. At the same time, the recommendations still appear to be part of a generally rapid mobilization that the crisis of recent days has caused in the US authorities. From Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser to US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to President Biden himself, everyone has made encouraging statements about the soundness and strength of the US financial system. “We all have a stake in keeping the US financial system strong and healthy,” commented a spokesman for JPMorgan, the largest US bank, adding that “this is the envy of the world as thousands of financial institutions of all sizes serve every last corner of the country.”