BankUnited Hit By OTS Downgrade

Editor's note: Our "On the Brink" series will provide daily insight into the financial firms facing capital shortfalls and the growing pressure from short sellers in the market.

BankUnited Financial(BKUNA Quote - Cramer on BKUNA - Stock Picks) on late Friday said the Office for Thrift Supervision had lowered its capital status amid mounting liquidity concerns.

OTS reclassified BankUnited's status to adequately capitalized, from well-capitalized. The move subjects the bank to restrictions on accepting brokered deposits.

BankUnited said its capital ratios exceed the statutory threshold for well-capitalized institutions.

BankUnited's shares plummeted last month, after Stifel Nicolaus downgraded it to sell from hold.

The stock, which closed up 1.7% to $1.17, was plummeting 16% to $1 in recent after-hours trading.