Finance Intermediaries and Their Roles
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Questions and Answers

What is one primary role of financial intermediaries?

  • To regulate stock prices
  • To provide a mechanism for fund allocation (correct)
  • To eliminate all financial risk
  • To manage government spending
  • Financial markets only serve institutional borrowers and do not accommodate individual borrowers.

    False

    What are the two types of finance mentioned in the context of fund transfer?

    Direct finance and indirect finance

    Which market is primarily focused on the trading of government bonds?

    <p>Bond market</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The financial sector helps channel money from __________ to prospective buyers.

    <p>savers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Financial intermediaries only include banks and insurance companies.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following units with their financial needs:

    <p>Borrowers = Prefer long-term loans with the lowest interest rates Lenders = Aim to minimize costs and prefer high liquidity Investors = Seek to maximize returns on assets Financial intermediaries = Facilitate the transfer of funds between savers and borrowers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What major international institutions were created during the Bretton Woods Conference?

    <p>IMF and World Bank</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ____ standard was a significant monetary system before the evolution of modern financial practices.

    <p>gold</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following financial institutions with their primary functions:

    <p>Depository institutions = Accept deposits and make loans Insurance companies = Collect premiums and pay compensation Pension funds = Collect from workers and pay to retirees Finance companies = Use deposits to make loans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does M2 consist of?

    <p>M1 + money market and savings accounts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Adverse selection occurs when both parties have equal information.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main source of funds for banks?

    <p>customer deposits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The __________ is the difference between a bank's interest income from loans and its interest expenses on deposits.

    <p>net interest income</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following banking services with their descriptions:

    <p>Payment = Facilitating transactions between buyers and sellers Deposits/Lending = Accepting deposits and providing loans Investment/Pension/Insurance = Managing funds for future financial needs E-Banking = Online banking services for users</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What phase follows the ‘Boom’ in an asset price bubble?

    <p>Profit taking</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Zero coupon bonds make interest payments throughout their term.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an Initial Public Offering (IPO)?

    <p>The offering of shares of a private corporation to the public.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A _____ bond allows the bondholder to convert debt into equity.

    <p>convertible</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the type of bond with its characteristic:

    <p>Government bonds = Issued by the government, low risk and low interest Corporate bonds = Issued by companies to raise capital Municipal bonds = Issued by states and municipalities Convertible bonds = Allows conversion of debt to equity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action does a Vlocker take regarding banks?

    <p>Restricts how banks can invest their money</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The secondary market deals with newly issued securities.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of mutual funds?

    <p>To provide small investors access to diversified portfolios of stocks, bonds, and securities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _______ market is where banks primarily trade currency with each other.

    <p>interbank</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a SPAC?

    <p>A public company seeking to acquire another company through an IPO</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of managing assets and liabilities in banking?

    <p>Maximize profits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    SWIFT is used for safe and secure transactions in international banking.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is liquidity risk in banking?

    <p>Liquidity risk is the inability of a bank to meet its financial obligations when they come due.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the interbank market, banks primarily deal with _______ and _______ rate risks.

    <p>exchange, interest</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their definitions:

    <p>Credit risk = Risk of borrower failing to meet obligations Market risk = Risk of adverse market price movements Liquidity risk = Risk of needing cash unexpectedly Interest rate risk = Risk from mismatch of asset and liability maturities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered a liquid asset?

    <p>Treasury bills</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of loan does a bank extend that allows a customer to withdraw more money than is available in their account?

    <p>Overdraft</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Eurocurrency refers to deposits held in the home country where the currency is dominated.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Default risk refers to the likelihood that a borrower will repay their loan.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of securitization in banking?

    <p>To bundle real estate loans into packages and issue securities based on these packages.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the 'forward market' in currency trading?

    <p>The forward market involves agreements to exchange currencies at a future date, typically ranging from 30 to 180 days.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ___________ is primarily responsible for ensuring financial stability and preventing systemic risks.

    <p>central bank</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A _____ loan is secured by the value of a vehicle.

    <p>auto</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following risks to their definitions:

    <p>Default risk = Risk that borrowers do not repay loans Interest rate risk = Risk due to changes in interest rates Liquidity risk = Risk of sudden withdrawals of funds Market risk = Risk of adverse price movements in financial markets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a type of risk faced by banks?

    <p>Behavioral risk</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary income-generating asset for banks?

    <p>Loans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Options contracts give the holder the obligation to buy or sell at a set price.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a bank run?

    <p>A bank run is when a large number of customers withdraw their deposits simultaneously due to concerns about the bank's solvency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Higher bank capital ratios increase the risk of bank insolvency.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the GAP analysis used for in banking?

    <p>To measure the difference between interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    ___________ requires banks to maintain a minimum amount of capital relative to their risk-weighted assets.

    <p>Capital adequacy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Eurodollars are _____ denominated deposits held outside the United States.

    <p>USD</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match each type of loan with its description:

    <p>Business loan = Regular installment loans or lines of credit Real estate loan = Secured by property a borrower purchases Auto loan = Secured by the vehicle itself Overdraft = Allows withdrawal beyond account balance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Credit Risk' refer to?

    <p>A borrower's failure to meet loan terms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Banks can become insolvent if their total assets exceed total liabilities.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Define 'Value at Risk' in a banking context.

    <p>A measure of the potential loss on a portfolio from market movements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The _____ refers to financial markets for stocks, bonds, and currencies.

    <p>financial market</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the primary roles of financial intermediaries?

    <p>Minimize direct lending costs and transaction costs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Banks primarily earn profits from a spread between the interest they pay on deposits and the interest they earn on loans.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the risk that arises when one party has more or better information than another party in a transaction?

    <p>Asymmetric information risk</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The ratio of change in deposits to the change in the level of deposits is known as the __________.

    <p>credit multiplier</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following services do commercial banks provide?

    <p>Checking accounts and savings accounts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Deregulation involves the implementation of new rules and restrictions for financial institutions.

    <p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do banks maintain as a reserve requirement?

    <p>A specific percentage of their deposits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Investment products like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are designed to potentially provide __________ to investors.

    <p>returns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term defines the banks' ability to convert short-term deposits into long-term loans?

    <p>Maturity transformation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Transaction deposits can be withdrawn using checks and are considered highly liquid.

    <p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'bank capital' refer to?

    <p>The difference between a bank's assets and liabilities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    __________ loans are provided by banks to retail customers without collateral and have a short to medium time frame.

    <p>Consumer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following types of cards with their attributes:

    <p>Credit Cards = Pre-arranged credit limits, attract interest if unpaid. Debit Cards = Withdraw funds directly from a bank account. Check Guarantee Cards = Require identification for guaranteed payment. Travel and Entertainment Cards = Used for business expenses, repaid at the end of the month.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Financial Intermediation and Markets

    • Financial intermediaries facilitate the transfer and allocation of funds to productive opportunities.
    • The financial system comprises institutions allowing fund exchange, operating at firm, regional, and global levels (e.g., banks, insurance companies, stock exchanges).
    • Financial sectors facilitate the movement of money from savers to investors (e.g., paying for college, buying a house).
    • Financial markets enable negotiation of loans, projects, investments, and return on assets.

    Borrowers and Lenders

    • Borrowers (deficit units) seek low-cost, long-term funding.
    • Lenders (surplus units) face default risk and asset fluctuation, seeking high liquidity and short-term, high-return options.
    • Investors play a crucial role in these transactions.

    Direct vs. Indirect Finance

    • Direct finance involves funds flowing directly from lenders/savers to borrowers/investors.
    • Indirect finance uses intermediaries as conduits, transferring funds from lenders/savers to intermediaries, and then to borrowers/investors.

    Types of Financial Markets

    • Stock markets: trading of shares.
    • Bond markets: trading of government or other bonds.
    • Currency markets: buying and selling currencies.
    • Commodity markets: trading of agricultural, energy, or metal products.
    • Futures and options markets: trading of derivatives.

    Financial Market Importance

    • Essential for fund transfer, resource allocation, and improved economic welfare.
    • Increase investment returns and firm value.
    • Facilitate risk management.

    Global Financial Systems

    • Composed of regulated entities (banks, insurance), regulators, supervisors, and institutions.
    • Evolution includes the gold standard, WWI/WWII impacts, the Great Depression, the Bretton Woods Conference (creation of IMF and World Bank), and the rise of the dollar as a reserve currency, with reduced barriers to trade.
    • International institutions (IMF, World Bank) play roles in maintaining international balance and supporting developing countries.

    Financial Institutions

    • Depository institutions (banks, credit unions, savings and loans) accept deposits (liabilities), provide loans (assets), manage payment services, and offer investment products.
    • Insurance companies: collect premiums from policyholders, paying compensation in case of loss.
    • Pension funds: collect contributions, invest and pay out to retired workers.
    • Finance companies: use deposited funds to issue loans.
    • Security firms: provide access to financial markets (e.g., investment banks, brokerage services).
    • Government-sponsored enterprises: support loans (e.g., mortgages).

    Financial Intermediaries

    • Reduce direct lending costs and transaction costs.
    • Enable fund transformations (size, maturity, risk).
    • Banks: handle payments, deposits, lending, investments, and insurance.

    Bank Services and Operations

    • Provide deposit and lending services (checking, savings, consumer loans).
    • Offer investment, pension, and insurance products.
    • Engage in e-banking.
    • Generate revenue from the interest rate spread between loans and deposits.

    Asymmetric Information

    • Adverse selection: one party possesses relevant information unavailable to the other—financial intermediaries mitigate this.
    • Moral hazard: occurs when one party with superior information acts against another's interest.
    • Credit scoring and assessments reduce information asymmetry

    Economic Imbalances and Interdependence

    • Economic imbalances occur when imports exceed exports, and global imbalances involve differing asset holdings across nations.
    • Economic interdependence is driven by specialization.
    • Credit multiplier: the relationship between changes in reserves and changes in the money supply.

    Central Banks and Monetary Policy

    • Central banks control the money supply and interest rates via open market operations, reserve requirements, and interest rate manipulations.
    • Open market operations: buying/selling government securities.
    • Reserve requirements: percentage of deposits banks must hold as reserves.
    • Interest rates: influence the demand for loans and economic activity.

    Deregulation and Reregulation

    • Deregulation liberalizes financial markets, leading to increased competition and consolidations.
    • Reregulation addresses potential adverse effects, such as moral hazard, and creates stability mechanisms.

    Financial Innovation

    • Innovations create new financial instruments and technologies, driving efficiency, market expansion, and product differentiation.

    Bank Assets and Liabilities

    • Assets: primarily income-generating assets (loans, securities).
    • Liabilities: customer deposits, borrowings.
    • Capital: difference between assets and liabilities; serves as buffer against losses.

    Risk Management in Banking

    • Types of risks: Credit, interest rate, liquidity, market, country, management risks.
    • Management tools: GAP analysis, duration analysis, value-at-risk (VaR) modeling to assess and quantify losses.

    Loan Portfolio Management

    • Diversify to reduce impact of potential defaults.
    • Risk-adjusted return on capital (RAROC) and value at risk (VaR) are risk assessment tools.

    Banking Operations

    • Commercial banks are the main retail banks in the market

    Financial Market Instruments

    • Bonds (corporate, municipal, government), stocks, mutual funds, hedge funds, private equity, and derivatives (futures, options, swaps).

    Financial Crises

    • Characterized by asset value declines, debt defaults, and liquidity shortages.
    • Bubbles (Tulip Mania, 1772 credit crisis) are characterized by rapid price increases leading to crashes.
    • Government responses typically involve lowering interest rates, buying back debt to improve market confidence.

    Financial Regulations

    • Regulators (e.g., FED, SEC, OCC) establish rules to mitigate risks (bank runs, systemic risk).
    • Safety and soundness regulations protect the banking system from insolvency.
    • Monetary policy regulation ensures minimal cash reserve against deposits.
    • Credit allocation regulations support specific economic sectors.

    Financial Markets

    • Primary and secondary markets: trading of new and pre-existing financial instruments (stocks, bonds).
    • IPOs and SPACs are methods of raising capital.
    • Equity markets facilitate capital raising for companies and investment opportunities for savers.

    Global financial systems

    • International banks, international financial instruments (eurocurrencies); LIBOR and Euribor are key indicators.

    Financial intermediaries

    • Key role in transforming financial instruments and raising capital for other sectors

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    Description

    Explore key concepts related to financial intermediaries and their functions in the market. This quiz covers the types of finance, the role of banks, characteristics of financial markets, and important historical institutions. Test your knowledge on how money is channeled from savers to borrowers.

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