First Republic's Troubles Raise Concerns Among Banks.

First Republic, a regional lender, is struggling to survive another crisis of confidence and is trying to persuade big banks like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America to help by purchasing some of its underwater bonds at above-market rates. However, the banks are reluctant to ride to the rescue again, fearing they could end up subsidizing First Republic's survival only to see it get seized by regulators and then sold to a single rival. The reluctance of banks to play the role of rescuer for a second time leaves First Republic with few options, and it hopes the US government will help with a solution by bringing the banks to the table.