Metro Bank shares have plunged by 25% after reports emerged that the bank is urgently seeking to raise millions to bolster its finances.
The bank is in talks with investors about raising £250m in equity financing and £350m in debt, while asset sales are also being considered to strengthen the lender’s balance sheet.
The bank’s shares have already suffered substantial falls in September after regulators refused to approve a request to lower the capital, or cash, requirements attached to its mortgage business.
It has been reported that the Metro Bank share price has dropped by 70% so far this year.
As of now, it’s unclear whether the bank will be able to secure the funding it needs. As much as £600 million has been muted as need in in some reports.
Is this a worrying sign of worse to come, or just a one-off?