First Republic Bank Contemplates Sale Amid Turbulent Times.

First Republic Bank is exploring strategic options including a sale and shoring up liquidity after being cut to junk by S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings. The bank, which has more than $70 billion in unused liquidity, is expected to draw interest from larger rivals. Its stock fell 21% in New York trading to a decade-low of $31.16, giving it a market value of $5.8 billion. The lender specializes in private banking and wealth management and has made an effort to differentiate itself from Silicon Valley Bank, which has been seized by US regulators.