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Mismatch Risk

Mismatch risk occurs when the assets and liabilities of a company or financial institution have differing characteristics, such as maturity dates, interest rates, or currencies, creating a potential exposure to market fluctuations. For example, if a bank’s liabilities are short-term (deposits) and its assets are long-term (loans), it may face liquidity risk if depositors withdraw funds faster than the loans are repaid. Mismatch risk can also arise in currency or interest rate mismatches.

Example

A bank lends money through long-term loans but funds these loans with short-term deposits, creating a maturity mismatch and exposure to liquidity risk.

Key points

Occurs when assets and liabilities have differing characteristics, such as maturity, interest rates, or currencies.

Creates potential exposure to market fluctuations, including liquidity, interest rate, or currency risks.

Common in banking, where liabilities like deposits may be short-term, while assets like loans are long-term.

Quick Answers to Curious Questions

Mismatch risk arises when a company’s assets and liabilities have differing characteristics, creating exposure to market fluctuations.

Mismatches can occur in maturity, interest rates, or currencies, leading to potential liquidity, interest rate, or currency risks.

Banks can manage mismatch risk by aligning the characteristics of their assets and liabilities or using hedging strategies to mitigate exposure.
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