Bank Capital: Definition & Tiers

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Bank capital refers to the financial resources that a bank has at its disposal to absorb losses and support operations.
• Equity and subordinated debt make up bank capital.
• Other long-term financing options are available to banks, but they are not as commonly used.
• This metric is important because it helps to ensure the stability of a bank.

What is Bank Capital?

Bank capital refers to financial resources a bank has at its disposal to absorb losses, support operations, and finance growth. It includes both equity and subordinated debt, as well as other forms of long-term financing.

If you would like to learn more about bank capital, please keep reading. Here, you will find discussion detailing the role of this metric. We also provide an overview of the different types of bank capital, as well as how banks can raise this important form of financing.

Purpose of Bank Capital

Bank capital serves several purposes. First and foremost, it provides a buffer against losses. In the event that a bank experiences losses, its capital can cover those losses. This will help prevent them from adversely impacting the bank’s financial condition.

In addition, bank capital supports a bank’s operations. It can finance growth and expansion, as well as cover day-to-day operating expenses.

Finally, bank capital also provides a measure of financial stability. By having strong capital levels, a bank is less likely to fail in the event of unexpected losses or market disruptions.

Bank capital is important for both banks and investors. For banks, it is a key metric that is closely monitored by regulators. In order for a bank to remain in good standing, it must maintain adequate capital levels.

Bank capital plays an important role in the stability and resilience of the banking system. It acts as a buffer against losses, absorbs shocks, and finance growth. Bank capital thus protects depositors and other creditors from loss in the event that the bank is unable to meet its obligations.

Investors also use bank capital as a tool for assessing risk. When considering investing in a particular bank, they will look at the bank’s capital ratios to get an idea of how well the bank’s capitalized. Strong capital ratios indicate a lower risk of investment, while weak capital ratios indicate a higher risk.

Types of Bank Capital

There are two main types of bank capital: equity and subordinated debt.

Equity Debt

Equity debt is the most common type of bank capital. It refers to the ownership stake that shareholders have in a bank. Equity capital can absorb losses and support growth.

Subordinated Debt

Subordinated debt is another form of bank capital. It is typically issued by banks in the form of bonds. Subordinated debt ranks below other debts in terms of priority.

This means that it is only repaid after other debts have been repaid in the event of a default. However, this also means that subordinated debtholders have a higher risk of loss than other creditors.

Other forms of bank capital include:

Tier 1 Capital: This is the core form of bank capital and includes items such as common stock, retained earnings, and disclosed reserves.

Tier 2 Capital: This is a supplementary form of bank capital. It includes items such as undisclosed reserves, revaluation surplus, and subordinated debt.

Total Capital: This is the sum of Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital.

Structure of Bank Capital

Bank capital is typically composed of a mix of equity and subordinated debt. The exact mix will vary from bank to bank, depending on the size of the bank and its risk profile.

Banks with higher risk profiles will have a higher proportion of equity capital relative to subordinated debt. This is because equity is more loss-absorbent than debt.

Banks with lower risk profiles, on the other hand, will have a higher proportion of subordinated debt relative to equity. This is because debt is less expensive than equity. And it can finance growth without diluting shareholder ownership.

Working Process of Bank Capital

Bank capital serves as a buffer against losses and provides funding for growth and expansion. It is typically composed of equity and subordinated debt. The exact mix will vary depending on the size of the bank and its risk profile.

When considering investing in a particular bank, investors look at the bank’s capital ratios to get an idea of how well the bank’s capitalized. Strong capital ratios indicate a lower risk of investment, while weak capital ratios indicate a higher risk.

Circumstances for Increase in Bank Capital

There are a few different circumstances that can lead to an increase in bank capital.

First, a bank may issue new shares of stock. This will raise equity capital.

Second, a bank may take on new debt. This will raise both equity and debt capital.

Third, a bank may retain earnings. This will also raise equity capital.

Finally, a bank may receive new investments from shareholders or other investors. This will also raise equity capital.

Circumstances for Decrease in Bank Capital

There are a few different circumstances that can lead to a decrease in bank capital.

First, a bank may repurchase shares of stock. This will reduce equity capital.

Second, a bank may redeem bonds. This will reduce debt capital.

Third, a bank may make distributions to shareholders. This will also reduce equity capital.

Finally, a bank may experience losses. This will also reduce equity capital.

Summary

Bank capital is a tool that both regulators and investors use to assess risk. It is typically composed of a mix of equity and subordinated debt. The exact mix will vary from bank to bank, depending on the size of the bank and its risk profile.

Investors look at a bank’s capital ratios to get an idea of how well the bank’s capitalized. Strong capital ratios indicate a lower risk of investment, while weak capital ratios indicate a higher risk.

There are a few different circumstances that can lead to an increase or decrease in bank capital. Issuing new shares of stock, taking on new debt, retaining earnings, and receiving new investments will lead to an increase in bank capital.

Rebuying shares, redeeming bonds, making distributions to shareholders, and losses decrease bank capital.