[BirAdam]

In the USA, all of the large banks are part of the Federal Reserve System and the FFIC insures all accounts up to a certain amount. I would say this nullifies their claim to refuse the public as a largely publicly funded institution… the government, however, doesn’t care about the hoi polloi so this situation isn’t likely to ever change.

[eru]

Alas, banks can not opt out of that system. And because they are forced to participate, I don't think their argument is nullified.

[patmcc]

The FDIC isn't publicly funded, it's funded by premiums paid by the banks themselves (and the customers thereof, of course).