Kapitalinõuet

Kapitalinõuet, often translated as capital requirement, refers to the minimum amount of capital that financial institutions, such as banks, are required to hold by regulators. This capital acts as a buffer to absorb potential losses and ensure the institution's solvency and stability. The primary purpose of capital requirements is to protect depositors and the broader financial system from the risks associated with banking activities.

Regulatory frameworks like Basel Accords provide the foundation for calculating these requirements. They typically differentiate between different types of capital, such as Tier 1 capital (common equity) and Tier 2 capital (subordinated debt), with Tier 1 being considered higher quality and more loss-absorbing. The amount of capital a bank must hold is usually determined by the riskiness of its assets. Banks with riskier loan portfolios or investments are generally required to hold more capital than those with more conservative holdings.

These requirements are crucial for maintaining financial stability. By ensuring banks have sufficient capital, regulators aim to prevent bank runs and systemic crises. If a bank suffers significant losses, its capital can absorb those losses, preventing it from becoming insolvent and needing a bailout. Inadequate capital can lead to increased risk-taking by institutions as they have less to lose. Therefore, maintaining sufficient kapitalinõuet is a cornerstone of prudential banking supervision.