Reserve requirement

Reserve requirements mandate minimum cash holdings for banks

Image: Elph, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Reserve requirement

Reserve requirements mandate minimum cash holdings for banks

The reserve ratio is determined by the central bank and can influence the lending capacity of banks. By adjusting the reserve ratio, monetary authorities can control the money supply. A higher reserve ratio reduces the amount banks can lend, while a lower reserve ratio allows for more lending.

Example

If a bank has $1 billion in deposits and the reserve ratio is 10%, the bank must hold $100 million in reserves.

Understanding reserve requirements is crucial for banks to comply with regulations and for monetary authorities to manage the money supply effectively.

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Educational content, not financial advice.

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