Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Operational Risk
The potential for loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes or systems, human interactions or external events not related to credit, market or liquidity risks.
Options
Contractual agreements that convey to the buyer the right but not the obligation to either buy or sell a specified amount of a currency, commodity or security at a fixed future date or at any time within a fixed future period.
Productivity Ratio
(see Expense-to-Revenue Ratio)
Provision for Credit Losses
A charge to income that represents an amount deemed adequate by management to fully provide for impairment in loans and acceptances and other credit instruments, given the composition of the portfolios, the probability of default, the economic environment and the allowance for credit losses already established.
Regulatory Capital Ratios
The percentage of risk-weighted assets supported by capital, as defined by OSFI under the framework of risk-based capital standards agreed upon in 1988 at the Bank for International Settlements. These ratios are labeled Tier 1 and Total. Tier 1 capital is considered to be more permanent, consisting of common shares together with any qualifying non-cumulative preferred shares and innovative instruments, less unamortized goodwill. Tier 2 capital consists of other preferred shares, subordinated debentures and the general allowance, within prescribed limits. The assets-to-capital multiple is defined as assets plus guarantees and letters of credit, net of specified deductions (or adjusted assets), divided by total capital.
Reputation Risk
The risk of negative impacts resulting from the deterioration of BMO’s reputation with key stakeholders. These impacts include revenue loss, reductions in our customer or client base and declines in BMO’s share price.
Return on Equity (ROE)
Calculated as net income, less preferred dividends, as a percentage of average common shareholders’ equity. Common shareholders’ equity is comprised of common share capital, contributed surplus, net unrealized foreign exchange gain (loss) and retained earnings.
Securities Borrowed or Purchased under Resale Agreements
Low-cost, low-risk loans, often supported by the pledge of cash collateral, which arise from transactions that involve the borrowing or purchase of securities.
Securities Lent or Sold under Repurchase Agreements
Low-cost, low-risk liabilities, often supported by cash collateral, which arise from transactions that involve the lending or sale of securities.
Specific Allowances
These allowances are recorded for specific loans to reduce their book value to the amount we expect to recover. We review our loans and acceptances (other than consumer instalment and credit card loans, which are written off when certain conditions exist, as discussed under impaired loans [PDF]) on an ongoing basis to assess whether any loans should be classified as impaired and whether an allowance or write-off should be recorded. Our review of problem loans is conducted at least quarterly by our account managers, who assess the ultimate collectibility and estimated recoveries on a specific loan based on all events and conditions that the manager believes are relevant to the condition of the loan. This assessment is then reviewed and concurred with by an independent credit officer.
Swaps
Contractual agreements between two parties to exchange a series of cash flows.
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