What is meant by capital adequacy in financial institutions?

Capital adequacy refers to the capacity of financial institutions, such as banks, to maintain a sufficient capital base to absorb potential losses, particularly during periods of financial stress or economic downturns. This concept is crucial to ensuring that a bank can remain solvent and continue operations even when faced with unexpected financial challenges.

By having adequate capital, a financial institution can withstand losses that exceed expected levels, which helps to protect depositors and maintain confidence in the financial system. Regulatory frameworks, such as the Basel Accords, establish minimum capital requirements that banks must hold in relation to their risk-weighted assets to promote stability in the financial sector.

In contrast, other options do not align with the core definition of capital adequacy. Minimizing operational costs pertains to efficiency and cost management. Increasing market share focuses on competitive strategy and growth, while assessing customer credit risks is concerned with lending practices and risk management at the individual customer level rather than the overall capital position of the institution.