Hundreds of US banks have failed since the credit crunch climax

Almost 300 banks or other financial institutions have failed since the financial crisis climaxed in 2008, as this elegant infographic demonstrates.

According to the Wall Street Journal, as of August this year, 274 banks, saving banks and thrifts (which specialise in savings and loans) have failed since the beginning of 2008.

The map shows where these are located. The size of the circles are based on the value of assets at the time of failure.

Among the most recent failures was Ravenswood Bank of Chicago (established in 1934) which was swallowed, with assets valued at around $264m, in June by Northbrook Bank in Illinois.