Bank Constraints: 3Q08

This updates a review of Canadian bank constraints for 2Q08.

Big-6 Bank Constraint Summary
3Q08
  Note RY BNS BMO TD CM NA
Equity Capital A 17,892 16,310 13,609 13,563 8,695 3,930
Tier 1 Cap B 24,150 22,075 18,047 17,491 11,626 5,534
Tier 2 Cap C 5,578 3,969 4,353 7,211 5,461 2,196
Total
Capital
D 29,728 26,044 22,400 24,702 17,087 7,730
Tier 1 Ratio E 9.5% 9.8% 9.9% 9.5% 9.8% 10.0%
Total Ratio F 11.7% 11.5% 12.3% 13.4% 14.4% 13.9%
Assets to
Capital
Multiple
G 19.4 17.8 15.9 17.9 17.7 15.7
RWA to
T1R = 7%
H +36% +40% +41% +36% +40% +43%
RWA to
TotR = 10%
I +17% +15% +23% +34% +44% +39%
Assets to
ACM = 20
J +3% +12% +26% +12% +13% +27%
Assets to
ACM = 23
K +19% +29% +45% +28% +30% +46%
A : See Bank Capitalization Summary : 3Q08
B, C, D, E, F: From Supplementary Packages

G: See source notes from Note A reference; some are my estimates
H: Percentage increase in Risk Weighted Assets that results in a Tier 1 Ratio of 7% [OSFI’s “Well Capitalized” benchmark]; = (E / 0.07 – 1) %
I: Percentage Increase in Risk Weighted Assets that results in a Total Capital Ratio of 10% [OSFI’s “Well Capitalized” Benchmark]; = (F / 0.10 -1) %
J: Percentage Increase in Assets that results in an Assets-to-Capital Multiple of 20x; = ((20 / G) – 1) %
K: Percentage Increase in Assets that results in an Assets-to-Capital Multiple of 23x; = ((23 / G) – 1) %
The limiting constraint is bolded.

In determining the limiting factor, it has been assumed that 23x is the actual limit for the Assets to Capital multiple; OSFI has stated that 23x is OK as long as they meet certain conditions and otherwise apply for permission. Given that OSFI maintains a veil of secrecy over the issue, it has been assumed that the 20x multiple is simply stated for decorative purposes.

It should also be noted that the calculation of the ACM has been recently revised by OSFI, with what I must say is rather weak justification.

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