Timeline: The collapse of Greensill Bank

When Greensill Bank went into administration on 8 March, it sent shockwaves through communities as the scale of its demise became apparent. 

With the efficacy of the UK’s FCA now even being called into question for failing to protect investors and businesses, we review the chain of events that have shaken European finance.

1 March: Credit Suisse pulls the plug

Greensill’s distinctive supply chain finance loans, packaged into securities managed by Credit Suisse, hit a snag when GFG Alliance defaults on a $140m loan citing COVID-19-related economic downturn.

In response, Credit Suisse closes funds worth US$10bn. Concerned about Greensill’s close link to steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta, the bank is forced to sell the assets.

2 March: Market developments force GAM’s hand

With Greensill now treading water, Swiss asset management firm GAM opts to freeze the company’s receivables funds. GAM cites ‘market developments’ and media coverage relating to supply chain finance as its reasons.

Community anxiety regarding job losses begins to mount. Gupta gives assurances that GFG Alliance’s funding is adequate.

3 March: BaFin suspends Greensill

50,000 jobs, including 5,000 in the UK steel industry, are now at risk. BaFin, the German financial watchdog, orders Greensill Bank to freeze payments. It suspects that Greensill is on the verge of becoming over-indebted. 

In Germany, the bank holds approximately US$5.5bn in assets.

4 March: GFG Alliance halts repayments

With BaFin going so far as to accuse Greensill Bank of criminal negligence, GFG Alliance’s reliance on Greensill - a relationship long held in suspicion by UK and German regulators - is laid bare.

Subsequently, Gupta orders that repayments to Greensill Capital are to cease immediately.

8 March to 12 March: Greensill goes into administration

After the weekend of 6 & 7 March has passed, Greensill reports the following Monday that it has gone into administration. 

After 11 years in operation supporting the manufacturing sector, the company’s filing for insolvency is a devastating blow. 

Finally, a last ditch attempt by US equity firm Apollo to salvage the situation falls through on 12 March.