Capital Adequacy Ratio CAR: Importance In Banking and NBFCs

what is car in banking

The specifics of CAR calculation vary from country to country, but general approaches tend to be similar for countries that apply the Basel Accords. In the most basic application, government debt is allowed a 0% "risk weighting" - that is, they are subtracted from total assets for purposes of calculating the CAR. The Bank of International Settlements separates capital into Tier 1 and Tier 2 based on the function and quality of the capital. Tier 1 capital is the primary way to measure a bank’s financial health.

Capital adequacy ratio (CAR), also known as capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR) measures a bank’s available capital in relation to its current assets and liabilities. CAR is important to ensure that a bank has an adequate financial cushion to absorb losses before it declares insolvency. The Capital Adequacy Ratio set standards for banks by looking at a bank’s ability to pay liabilities, and respond to credit risks and operational risks. A bank that has a good CAR has enough capital to absorb potential losses. Thus, it has less risk of becoming insolvent and losing depositors’ money.

what is car in banking

CAR vs Tier-1 leverage ratio

In calculation of total risk weighted assets for calculating CAR, the value of this bond will be Rs 20. In a similar way the risk-weighted asset value of the different assets are calculated. The capital adequacy ratio (CAR) is an indicator of how well a bank can meet its obligations. Also known as the capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio (CRAR), the ratio compares capital to risk-weighted assets and is watched by regulators to determine a bank's risk of failure. It's used to protect depositors and promote the stability and efficiency of financial systems around the world. Regulators use CAR to make sure banks have enough money to handle losses and still meet legal requirements.

Risk-Weighted Assets

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. Currently, the minimum ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets is eight percent under Basel II and 10.5 percent under Basel III. High capital adequacy ratios are above the minimum requirements under Basel II and Basel III. Since different types of assets have different risk profiles, CAR primarily adjusts for assets that are less risky by allowing banks to "discount" lower-risk assets.

This can lead to better stock performance and easier access to capital markets for raising funds. With adequate capital, banks can extend more credit to businesses and consumers, fueling economic activity. This is crucial for India's growth trajectory, where access to credit is vital for sectors like manufacturing, services, and agriculture. CAR helps maintain the stability and integrity of the banking system in India by ensuring that banks can withstand financial shocks. This instills confidence among depositors, investors, and other stakeholders, which is crucial for the overall health of the financial system.

Ignoring market and liquidity risks

Hybrid instruments are those that have characteristics of both debt and equity. Different weights are assigned to the different types of loans that these companies give. A high capital adequacy ratio for banks acts like a cushion to absorb excessive risks and prevent insolvency. CAR, or the capital adequacy ratio, is a comparison of the available capital that a bank has on hand to its risk-weighted assets. The ratio provides a quick idea of whether a bank has enough funds to cover losses and remain solvent under difficult financial circumstances.

The capital adequacy ratio is calculated by dividing a bank's capital by its risk-weighted assets. Currently, the minimum ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets is 8% under Basel II and 10.5% (which includes a 2.5% conservation buffer) under Basel III. High capital adequacy ratios are those that are higher than the minimum requirements under Basel II and Basel III. Tier-one capital is used to absorb losses and does not require a bank to cease operations. Capital adequacy ratio or CAR is the ratio of Tier 1 Capital and Tier II capital to the risk weighted assets, of a banking or NBFC company.

As the loan to the government carries no risk, it contributes $0 to the risk-weighted assets. Banks hold different types of assets, each with varying degrees of risk. These assets are adjusted according to the risk that they carry using an appropriate weightage factor set by the RBI. However, such capital should be capable of being converted into permanent capital. As an example, the Indian Bank recorded a CAR of 12.55% in 2018, falling from 13.64% in 2017.

Value Added Services

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  2. In the most basic application, government debt is allowed a 0% "risk weighting" - that is, they are subtracted from total assets for purposes of calculating the CAR.
  3. So, a high capital adequacy ratio is generally preferred because it means that the company has less risk of becoming insolvent than an entity with inadequate capital.
  4. The State Bank of India struggles to maintain its CAR at 13.3%, although stress test results reveal that it can fall to 11.8%.

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Risk-weighted assets measure the risk-augmented assets like cash, bonds, etc. Risk is weighed by following an asset’s potential to decrease in value. Government debts, for example, bear negligible risks, while those with little or no collaterals are riskier. Suppose Acme Bank has $20 million in tier-1 capital and $5 million in tier-2 capital. The capital adequacy ratio of Acme Bank is therefore 38% (($20 million + $5 million) / $65 million). All of the loans the bank has issued are weighted based on their degree of credit risk.

The capital used to calculate the capital adequacy ratio is divided into two tiers. 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.

To ensure that the risk of insolvency is minimised, banks need to adhere to the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR). The tier-1 capital of a banking institution, also known as core capital, can absorb losses without stopping financial activities. They are permanently available for transactions and are used to dampen losses in case of insolvent conditions. Banks regard customers’ deposits more in times of dissolution or insolvent conditions. The capital adequacy ratio signals the incidence of such conditions and warns banking institutions against accepting assets with too many risks.

Capital adequacy ratio (CAR) is calculated by dividing a bank's total capital by its risk-weighted assets. CAR primarily addresses credit risk, overlooking market and liquidity risks. These risks can significantly impact a bank’s financial health, especially in volatile market conditions or liquidity shortages, but are not fully captured by CAR. Risk-weighted assets are used to determine the minimum amount of capital that must be held by banks and other institutions to reduce the risk of insolvency. The capital requirement is based on a risk assessment for each type of bank asset. For example, a loan that is secured by a letter of credit is considered to be riskier and requires more capital than a mortgage loan that is secured by a house.

Central banks can have risk weight- asset guidelines for their respective countries, based on BIS guidelines. An example of risk weighting of assets is that in what is car in banking case of government bonds that have a credit rating of AAA to AA-, risk weight of 20% should be assigned. Suppose a bank has Rs 100 worth of government bonds on its balance sheet.

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