The capital adequacy ratio (CAR), also known as capital to risk-weighted assets ratio, measures a bank's financial strength by using its capital and assets. It is used to protect depositors and promote the stability a൲nd efficiency of financial systems around tᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚhe world.
Key Takeaways
- The capital adequacy ratio (CAR) is a measure of how much capital a bank has available, reported as a percentage of a bank's risk-weighted credit exposures.
- The purpose is to establish that banks have enough capital on reserve to handle a certain amount of losses before being at risk of becoming insolvent.
- Capital is broken down as Tier-1, core capital, such as equity and disclosed reserves, and Tier-2, supplemental capital held as part of a bank's required reserves.
- A bank with a high capital adequacy ratio is considered to be above the minimum requirements needed to suggest solvency.
- Therefore, the higher a bank's CAR, the more likely it is to be able to withstand a financial downturn or other unforeseen losses.
Components of the Capital Adequacy Ratio
The 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:capital adequacy ratio is calculated by dividing a bank's capital by its risk-weighted assets. The capital used to calculate the capital adequacy ratio is divided into two tiers: Tier 1 and Tier 2.
Tier-1 Capital
澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Tier-1 capital, or core capital, is comprised of equity capital, ordinary share capital, intangible assets, and audited revenue reserves, or what the bank has stored to help it through typical risky transactions, such as trading, investing, and lending. Tier-1 capital is used to absorb losses and does not require a bank to cease operations.
Tier-2 Capital
澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Tier-2 capital comprises unaudited retained earnings, unaudited reserves, and general loss reserves. This capital absorbs losses in the event of a company winding up or liquidating. Tier-2 capital is seen as less secure than Tier-1.
The two capital tiers are added together and divided by risk-weighted assets to calculate a bank's capital adequacy ratio. Risk-weighted assets are calculated by looking at a bank's loans, evaluating the risk, and then assigning a weight.
Note
Generally, a 🎃bank with a high capital adequacy ratio is consider⛦ed safe and likely to meet its financial obligations.
The Minimum Ratio of Capital to Risk-Weighted A🅷ssets
Basel II and Basel III, which are international banking regulations, set the minimum ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets at 8%; however, additional requirements can bump it up to 10.5%.
澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:Minimum capital adequacy ratios are critical in ensuring that banks have enough cushion to absorb a reasonable amount of losses before the🅘y become insolvent and consequently lose depositors♔’ funds.
Example of a High Capital Adequacy Ratio
For example, suppose bank ABC has $10 million in Tier-1 capital and $5 million in Tier-2 capital. It has loans that have been weighteꦫd and calculated a𒊎s $50 million.
The capital adequacy ratio of bank ABC is 30% (($10 million + $5 million) / $50 million). Therefore, this bank has a high capital adequacy ratio and is considered to be safer. As a result, Bank ABC is less likely to become insolvent if unexpected losses occur.
What Is a Capital Adequacy Ratio?
Capital adequacy ratios (CAR) help banks determine if they have enough capital to cover potential losses. The ratio divides a bank's capital by its risk weighted assets. The higher the ratio, the more the bank can cover its losses. Many regulatory bodies set minimum CAR requirements for banks to maintain to help prevent solvency issues and protect customers.
How Can Banks Improve Their Capital Adequacy Ratios?
Banks can improve their capit♒al adequacy ratios in two ways: (1) increase their capital base or (2) reduce their risk-weighted assets. To increase their capital base, banks can keep more earnings within the bank as opposed to distributing them out via di𒉰vidends to shareholders. Banks can also issue new equity by selling shares, which brings in more money. To reduce risk-weighted assets, banks can invest in less risky financial products or issue less risky loans.
What Is Basel II and III?
Basel II and III are international regulations aimed at making sure banks have enough capital to cover risks. The regulations were designed to protect depositors and the larger economy. Basel II was introduced in 2004, and Basel III after the 2008 financial crisis. Both regulations focus on improving the risk management of banks, primarily by setting capital reserve requirements and the ways in which banks should manage risk. Basel III tightened some of the rules in Basel II.
The Bottom Line
A bank's capital adequacy ratio is an indicator of its financial health and stability. It helps to ensure it has enough capital to cover losses and, as such, assess its ability to remain solvent.
Regulatory standards, such as Basel II and III, set minimum capital adequacy thresholds to protect bank depositors and maintain financial stability in the wider economy. A higher ratio the better, as it shows a bank is better placed to withstand economic downturns or unexpected losses.