Sufficient capital is required by banks to absorb any losses that arise during the normal course of their banking operations. A capital requirement (also known as regulatory capital or capital adequacy) of each bank is decided by the banking regulators (Central Banks) to prevent commercial banks from taking excess leverage and becoming insolvent in the…
Asset Liability Management (ALM) is a comprehensive and coordinated approach to managing a financial institution’s balance sheet, with the dual aim of optimizing profitability and minimizing financial risks. Rather than focusing on individual asset or liability components in isolation, ALM emphasizes the integrated management of the entire balance sheet, taking into account factors such as…
Asset Liability Management (ALM) serves as a strategic framework within financial institutions for managing risks that arise from mismatches between assets and liabilities. The primary purpose of ALM is to ensure the institution’s long-term financial health and operational viability by aligning the maturities, cash flows, and risk profiles of assets and liabilities. This alignment enables…
Asset Liability Management (ALM) is a fundamental risk management practice for financial institutions, aimed at addressing mismatches between assets and liabilities. It involves aligning the timing, structure, and risk characteristics of cash inflows and outflows to ensure liquidity, mitigate interest rate risk, and maintain financial stability. A robust ALM framework is essential not only for…
Introduction In India, the derivative transfer pricing policy environment for banks is shaped by a combination of regulatory mandates, market practices, and institutional risk management frameworks. Banks engage in derivative transactions for purposes such as hedging, proprietary trading, and balance sheet management. These transactions must be governed by prudent transfer pricing policies to ensure regulatory…
Understanding Credit Risk Credit risk refers to the potential for financial loss resulting from a counterparty’s failure to fulfill its contractual obligations. In the context of derivatives, this risk is particularly significant due to the potential cost of replacing a defaulted transaction, especially when market conditions have changed unfavorably between the time of default and…
Derivatives are essential instruments in Asset-Liability Management (ALM), offering financial institutions sophisticated tools to manage and mitigate key risks—particularly interest rate risk and currency risk. By employing derivatives, banks and financial institutions can hedge balance sheet exposures, manage cash flows effectively, and address mismatches in the timing and structure of assets and liabilities. 1. Managing…
Asset-Liability Management (ALM) is a critical risk management framework used by banks to maintain a balanced and stable relationship between their assets—such as loans and investments—and liabilities, which include deposits and borrowings. The primary objective of ALM is to ensure sustained profitability, financial stability, and regulatory compliance through the prudent management of liquidity, interest rate,…
Liquidity risk and interest rate risk are two critical forms of financial risk that financial institutions, particularly banks, must manage to ensure operational continuity and financial stability. Although distinct in nature, these risks are often interconnected, requiring an integrated risk management approach. Liquidity Risk DefinitionLiquidity risk refers to the potential inability of an institution to…
Asset-Liability Management (ALM) is a comprehensive financial strategy employed by banks, financial institutions, and large corporations to manage the risks arising from mismatches between their assets and liabilities. The core objective of ALM is to ensure that an institution can meet its financial obligations as they fall due while optimizing profitability and maintaining long-term financial…