Financial regulators in the United States will soon begin a series of "stress tests" to determine which of the largest US banks should get bigger capital cushions in the event of a deeper recession.
Banks are expected to receive additional information about the tests in the coming week from regulators.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a source familiar with the administration's plans said on Saturday that if institutions are found to need additional capital, financial authorities will provide them with an "extra cushion of support."
The source said the largest banks in the United States are "well capitalized" for current conditions, but the Obama administration wants to ensure that they can withstand a more severe economic climate.
Initial plans for "stress tests" were announced on 10 February by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner as part of a bank stabilization plan, but the source for the first time linked the tests to additional government support for large banks.
Little is known about the form the tests will take.
The Obama administration on Friday tried to ease market fears that the government was poised to nationalize some large banks that are continuing to struggle with losses and a lack of confidence.
Shares in Citigroup fell sharply to below $US2 and Bank of America traded at around $US4.
