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7. Leverage and insolvency

Consider the following balance sheets of two banks. These two banks have equal amounts of assets but are leveraged differently. Assume that there is no regulatory capital requirement.

Balance Sheet of Arch Bank
Assets		Liabilities
Outstanding Loans:	$200,000	Deposits (Liabilities):	$160,000
		Capital (Net worth):	$40,000
Total:	$200,000	Total:	$200,000

Balance Sheet of Medes Bank
Assets		Liabilities
Outstanding Loans:	$200,000	Deposits (Liabilities):	$180,000
		Capital (Net worth):	$20,000
Total:	$200,000	Total:	$200,000

Which bank has a higher leverage ratio?

Arch Bank

Medes Bank

Suppose both banks' assets increase by 10% to $220,000. Assume that the liabilities of both banks remain the same. Arch Bank's capital increases by , and Medes Bank's capital increases by . Therefore, if the value of assets is rising and liabilities do not change, a higher leverage ratio results in a percentage increase in capital.

Now suppose all the items in the balance sheets of both banks return to their initial values. Suddenly, banks realize that loans they made are riskier than they thought, and the total value of their assets declines by 10% to $180,000. Again, assume that the liabilities of both banks remain the same. Arch Bank's capital decreases by , and Medes Bank's capital decreases by . Therefore, if the value of assets is falling, a higher leverage ratio means a percentage decrease in capital.

Under this second scenario, which bank is closer to insolvency?

Arch Bank

Medes Bank

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