A few weeks ago, in Bank Failures in Historical Perspective, I noted that the total number of FDIC bank closures for the year was at 57, putting us on pace for close to 100 FDIC bank closures for 2009. In the intervening weeks, the FDIC has closed more banks, bringing the total for the year to 72. See here for the FDIC's full list of failed banks since October 1, 2000. Moreover, the pace of failures has increased in recent weeks, moving the anticipated number of FDIC bank closures closer to 125-150 for 2009 if the current pace continues. (See the chart at right, which does not include this Friday's three bank closures, courtesy of Calculated Risk). Click on any chart to enlarge.