Chapter 4 - Treasury Flashcards
What is the main role of treasury management in a banking operation?
To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of treasury activities in a banking operation.
How do banks profit from borrowing short and lending long?
Banks profit by borrowing short-term deposits at lower costs and lending long-term loans at higher rates.
What types of risks does a bank manage when making a loan?
- Interest-rate risk
- Liquidity risk
- Credit risk
How do banks and insurance companies differ in managing liquidity risk?
Insurance companies match assets to liabilities based on fixed contracts, while banks may mismatch loan durations with funding durations.
What is maturity transformation in banking?
It refers to the practice of borrowing short-term funds to lend long-term loans, contributing to bank profitability.
What is the purpose of high-quality liquid assets (HQLAs) in a bank?
To generate cash during a banking crisis.
What regulatory framework sets out the requirements for HQLAs?
Basel III rules.
What is the front book and back book in treasury management?
- Front book: New loans and funding
- Back book: Existing loans and funding that are maturing
*** add costs loaded on front book vs back book
What is term liquidity premium (TLP)?
It reflects the additional cost over a reference base rate at which the bank can borrow funding over different durations.
True or False: A normal yield curve is downward sloping.
False.
What happens to a bank’s net interest margin when it borrows short and lends long?
It increases.
What is the role of the asset-liability committee (ALCO) in a bank?
To oversee balance sheet structure, capital management, and funding profiles.
What is the typical chair of the ALCO?
Chief Financial Officer.
What does treasury allocation (TA) refer to?
The process of passing on central entity obligations to the business lines.
[Add aspects of TA]
What is the liquid asset buffer (LAB)?
A portfolio of HQLAs maintained to mitigate liquidity risk.
What is the consequence of a bank holding a liquidity buffer?
It reduces the value of some deposits as the bank cannot lend all of them.
What is the primary purpose of internal funds pricing?
To charge each business line for its cost of liquidity.
What is the significance of the TLP curve in a bank’s pricing strategy?
It helps to calculate the appropriate cost of fully term-matched funding for a given loan.
What is the impact of the 2007/8 financial crisis on banks’ funding practices?
It accelerated the move to proper internal funds pricing methodologies to reflect liquidity risks.
What is the typical meeting frequency for the ALCO?
Monthly and ad hoc as required.
Fill in the blank: The fundamental role of banks in the economic system is ______.
[duration transformation].
What does the ALCO mandate include in terms of risk management?
Identifying, managing, and controlling the bank’s balance sheet risks and capital management.
Who is responsible for the implementation of ALCO strategy and policy?
The ALCO itself.
What is the primary function of the Committee’s oversight?
To monitor and manage balance sheet risks of the bank
This includes ensuring consistency across Treasury issues and establishing risk appetites.