Ph.D. (Economics) / The object of this study was to examine the solvency standards of South African commercial banks on the basis of internationally accepted criteria, in order to determine whether these institutions maintain adequate capital resources to meet their liabilities at all times. The question of capital adequacy was approached from the point of view that the solvency of banks is subject to the influence of certain structural changes that are taking place in the Western banking system. These changes can be classified into four broad categories, viz. increasing government intervention in private banking; the formation of banking groups with a view to mobilising large resources of funds; the diversification of banking services; and a greater international alignment of Western banks. In the ever-changing banking environment, and given the risks to which banks are continually exposed, banks aim to maintain adequate solvency standards at all times without sacrificing too much liquidity and/or return on shareholders' funds. Because of the commercial banks' unique position as holders of the public's financial assets, as well as their ability to create money, they are subject to monetary control and strict prudential supervision. When a bank finds itself in the position that, after taking its own capital resources into account, it is unable to meet its liabilities because of these liabilities exceeding its assets, insolvency is almost unavoidable. To continue in business, the bank's capital should therefore be adequate not only to finance its infrastructure but also to absorb unforeseen losses.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:13237 |
| Date | 09 February 2015 |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Rights | University of Johannesburg |
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