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Investing.com -- Shares of Zions Bancorporation (NASDAQ:ZION) fell 12% and Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL) tumbled 11% Thursday after Zions disclosed a $50 million charge-off related to defaulted commercial loans, triggering broader concerns about regional bank credit quality.
In an SEC filing, Zions revealed it discovered "apparent misrepresentations and contractual defaults" involving two related commercial and industrial loans totaling approximately $60 million from its California Bank & Trust division. The bank determined to take a provision for the full amount and charge off $50 million, which will impact its third quarter 2025 financial results.
Western Alliance separately confirmed in its own filing that it has a note finance revolving credit facility to Cantor Group V, LLC, which appears to be related to the same situation. The bank initiated a lawsuit in August alleging fraud by the borrower for "failing to provide collateral loans in first position," though it believes existing collateral covers the obligation.
The regional banking index was down 5.8% by 2 p.m. as the news rippled through the sector. Jefferies, a firm recently impacted by bankruptcy at auto parts supplier First Brands Group, fell 10%.
Piper Sandler analyst Matthew Clark lowered his price target on Zions to $59.00 from $62.00 while maintaining a Neutral rating. "ZION disclosed that it recently learned of legal actions taken by multiple banks and lenders against parties connected to two borrowers involved in two C&I loans from its CB&T division. Upon discovery, ZION performed an internal review and uncovered apparent misrepresentations and irregularities related to the loans," Clark noted.
Stephens analyst Terry McEvoy stated, "We believe these loans are not connected to the recent bankruptcy announcements and were made to an independent investment fund that falls in the NDFI bucket. Zions said it views the event as isolated."
Truist analyst David Smith questioned the timing, noting that other banks’ losses from recent bankruptcies were disclosed weeks ago. Smith wrote, "It’s not clear to us whether or not these two are the companies Zions is referencing," adding that "there have been enough ’one-offs’ in commercial credits for banks of late that investors are selling first and asking questions later."
Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Herman Chan indicated that "Zions credit issue is raising questions on asset quality across the KRX."
The credit issues come just days after JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warned during a Tuesday earnings call, "When you see one cockroach, there are probably more, and so everyone should be forewarned of this one." Dimon was commenting on the twin collapses of First Brands and Tricolor in September.
Despite the charge-off, Western Alliance affirmed its guidance and 2025 outlook included in its second quarter financial results. The company also stated that its total criticized assets are lower than they were on June 30, 2025.