It is important to note that at least three of the banks are systemically important (accounting for more than 5% of assets and deposits in the banking system) and together the five banks account for 39.93% of loans, 29.99% of deposits, and 31.47% of total assets as at May 31, 2009.
Given the extent of the asset quality problem leading to liquidity stresses, and the variety of stress points on the banks' balance sheets, failure to act to secure the financial health of these banks will clearly place the system at risk.