Considerations of security form an important basis of lending. In fact, they constitute necessary adjunct to financial appraisal. Lending institutions have to examine the loan proposals from the point of view of nature and extent of security offered. Sometimes, there is a greater reliance on security due to inadequate financial appraisal, which in its turn may be due to non-availability of the necessary data. The security cover of the loan should, however, not be regarded as a substitute for an adequate financial assessment. Security considerations are of particular importance in less developed countries like India where information on the character, integrity and credit-worthiness of the borrowers is not readily available and much ground work has yet to be done in the establishment of credit information bureaus. A prudent term lending institution, therefore, secures its loan by adequate collateral and, where necessary, guarantees. It also embodies in the loan agreement suitable Continue reading
Bank Management Concepts
Different Products and Services Offered by Banks
Broad Classification of Products Offered by Banks The different products in a bank can be broadly classified into: Retail Banking. Trade Finance. Treasury Operations. Retail Banking and Trade finance operations are conducted at the branch level while the wholesale banking operations, which cover treasury operations, are at the head office or a designated branch. Retail Banking: Deposits Loans, Cash Credit and Overdraft Negotiating for Loans and advances Remittances Book-Keeping (maintaining all accounting records) Receiving all kinds of bonds valuable for safe keeping Trade Finance: Issuing and confirming of letter of credit. Drawing, accepting, discounting, buying, selling, collecting of bills of exchange, promissory notes, drafts, bill of lading and other securities. Treasury Operations: Buying and selling of bullion, Foreign exchange. Acquiring, holding, underwriting and dealing in shares, debentures, etc. Purchasing and selling of bonds and securities on behalf of constituents. The banks can also act as an agent of the Government Continue reading
Liquidity Risk in E-Banking
Liquidity risk is the uncertainty arising from a bank’s inability to meet its obligations when they are due, without incurring unacceptable losses. Liquidity risk includes the inability to manage unplanned changes in market conditions affecting the ability of the bank to liquidate assets quickly and with minimal loss in value. Internet banking increases deposit volatility from customers who maintain accounts solely on the basis of rates or terms. Increased monitoring of liquidity and changes in deposits and loans maybe warranted depending on the volume and nature of Internet account activities. In a nutshell, the Internet allows all transactions to occur in real time. The management must therefore be prepared for immediate changes and consequently immediate solutions. An institution can control this potential volatility and expanded geographic reach through its deposit contract and account opening practices, which might involve face-to-face meetings or the exchange of paper correspondence. The institution should modify Continue reading
Credit Risk in E-Banking
Credit risk is the risk to earning and eventually capital, arising from a borrower’s failure to meet the terms of a credit contract with the bank or otherwise to perform as agreed. It is found in all activities where success depends on counterparty, issuer, or borrower performance. It arises any time bank findings are extended, committed, invested, or otherwise exposed through actual or implied contractual agreements, whether on or off the bank’s balance sheet. Internet banking provides the opportunity for banks to expand their geographic range. Customers can reach a given institution from literally anywhere in the world. In dealing with customers over the Internet, absent of any personal contact, it is challenging for institutions to verify the bona fide of their customers, which is an important element in making sound credit decisions. Verifying collateral and perfecting security agreements can also be challenging with out-of-area borrowers. Unless properly managed, Internet Continue reading
Debt Recovery Agent
The phrase “Debt Recovery Agent” comprises three terms- Debt, Recovery and Agent. Let us understand the meaning of these terms separately, before we explain the meaning of Debt Recovery Agent. Debt: It refers to a sum of money owed by one person or entity (debtor) to another person or entity (creditor). Thus there are two parties to a debt- debtor who receives money by way of a debt; and creditor who lends money to the debtor. To illustrate, if Ram takes a loan of Rs. 3 lacs from a bank for purchasing a car, Ram becomes the debtor (or borrower), the bank is the creditor (or lender) and the loan of Rs. 3 laces is the debt (principal). Ram would be required to repay the loan in equated monthly installment (EMI),comprising the principal and interest, spread over the repayment period of, say, 3 years ( debt Continue reading
Liquidity Risk in Banking
Liquidity planning is an important facet of risk management framework in banks. Liquidity is the ability to efficiently accommodate deposit and other liability decreases, as well as, fund loan portfolio growth and the possible funding of off-balance sheet claims. A bank has adequate liquidity when sufficient funds can be raised, either by increasing liabilities or converting assets, promptly and at a reasonable cost. It encompass the potential sale of liquid assets and borrowings from money, capital and Forex markets. Thus, liquidity should be considered as a defense mechanism from losses on fire sale of assets. Liquidity risk in banking is the potential inability of a bank to meet its payment obligations in a timely and cost effective manner. It arises when the bank is unable to generate cash to cope with a decline in deposits/liabilities or increase in assets. The cash flows are placed in different time buckets based on Continue reading