#1
What is the primary function of a central bank?
Issuing currency
ExplanationCentral banks are responsible for issuing and regulating the nation's currency.
#2
What does the term 'FDIC' stand for in the context of banking?
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
ExplanationFDIC provides insurance for bank deposits to ensure depositor protection.
#3
Which organization is responsible for regulating and supervising banks in the United States?
Federal Reserve System (Fed)
ExplanationThe Federal Reserve oversees and regulates banks to maintain financial stability and economic growth.
#4
Which of the following is a key function of commercial banks?
Lending money to the public
ExplanationCommercial banks lend funds to individuals and businesses, facilitating economic activity.
#5
In the context of banking, what does the term 'SWIFT' stand for?
Secure Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication
ExplanationSWIFT is a global messaging network facilitating secure financial transactions between banks worldwide.
#6
Which of the following is a tool used by central banks to control the money supply?
Monetary policy
ExplanationMonetary policy regulates the money supply and interest rates to achieve economic goals.
#7
What is the purpose of the reserve requirement set by a central bank?
To limit the bank's ability to lend money
ExplanationReserve requirements restrict banks' lending capacity to control money supply and inflation.
#8
What is the function of the Open Market Operations (OMO) conducted by central banks?
Buying and selling government securities
ExplanationOMO involves central banks buying and selling government securities to control money supply and interest rates.
#9
In the context of banking, what does the term 'Liquidity' refer to?
The ease with which an asset can be converted into cash
ExplanationLiquidity denotes how quickly an asset can be converted into cash without significant loss.
#10
What is the purpose of the Federal Reserve's dual mandate?
Maintaining price stability and maximizing employment
ExplanationThe Fed aims to achieve stable prices and maximum employment, reflecting its dual mandate.
#11
What is the term for the interest rate at which banks can borrow money overnight from the central bank?
Federal funds rate
ExplanationFederal funds rate is the rate at which banks borrow reserves from each other overnight.
#12
What is the term for the risk that arises when one party to a financial transaction has more information than the other party?
Asymmetric information risk
ExplanationAsymmetric information risk occurs when one party possesses more information than the other, leading to potential market inefficiencies.
#13
What is the primary purpose of a central bank's foreign exchange reserves?
Stabilizing the domestic currency
ExplanationForeign exchange reserves help central banks stabilize domestic currency values and manage exchange rate fluctuations.
#14
What is the term for the interest rate that banks charge each other for short-term loans in the interbank market?
LIBOR
ExplanationLIBOR represents the benchmark interest rate at which banks lend to each other, influencing global interest rates and financial markets.
#15
Which regulatory body oversees the functioning of banks in the European Union?
European Banking Authority (EBA)
ExplanationEBA regulates and supervises banks in the EU to ensure financial stability and protect consumers.