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Question 58 of 318

Which of the following is not an asset of a commercial bank?

  • A. cash
  • B. money at call
  • C. treasury bills
  • D. reserve funds

Correct Answer: B

Explanation
The correct option is B. money at call. Explanation of the Correct Answer To understand why "money at call" is not considered an asset of a commercial bank, we first need to clarify what constitutes an asset for a bank. In banking terms, an asset is anything that the bank owns or has a claim to that can provide future economic benefits. Common assets for commercial banks include:
  1. Cash: This is the physical currency that the bank holds. It is a liquid asset, meaning it can be used immediately to meet obligations or make payments.
  2. Money at Call: This refers to funds that a bank can access quickly, typically through short-term loans or deposits that can be withdrawn on demand. While it is a liquid form of investment, it is not an asset in the same way that cash or treasury bills are. Instead, it is more of a financial instrument that the bank uses to manage liquidity.
  3. Treasury Bills: These are short-term government securities that banks purchase. They are considered safe investments and are easily convertible to cash, making them a solid asset.
  4. Reserve Funds: These are funds that banks are required to hold in reserve, either in cash or as deposits with the central bank. They are assets because they represent a portion of the bank's holdings that can be used to meet withdrawal demands.
Why "Money at Call" is Not an Asset While "money at call" can be seen as a liquid financial resource, it is not an asset in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a liability for the bank because it represents money that the bank has lent out and is expecting to receive back. The bank does not own this money; it is merely a claim on funds that are expected to be returned. Therefore, it does not fit the definition of an asset. Explanation of the Other Options
  • A. Cash: This is definitely an asset. It is the most liquid form of asset a bank can have, allowing it to meet immediate obligations.
  • C. Treasury Bills: These are also assets. They are investments that the bank holds and can be sold or redeemed for cash, providing a return on investment.
  • D. Reserve Funds: These are assets as well. They are funds that the bank must hold to ensure it can meet customer withdrawals and other obligations.
Summary of Key Points
  1. Assets of a Bank: Include cash, treasury bills, and reserve funds, which provide economic benefits and liquidity.
  2. Money at Call: Represents funds that are lent out and expected to be returned, making it a liability rather than an asset.
  3. Understanding Definitions: It's crucial to differentiate between what constitutes an asset versus a liability in banking.
  4. Liquidity: While liquidity is important, not all liquid instruments are classified as assets.
Revision Summary
  • Assets: Cash, treasury bills, and reserve funds are considered assets of a bank.
  • Money at Call: This is not an asset; it is a liability as it represents funds lent out.
  • Liquidity: Understanding the liquidity of different financial instruments is essential in banking.
  • Definitions Matter: Clear definitions of assets and liabilities are crucial for financial analysis.
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