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Multiple Choice
In the context of a typical bank's balance sheet, which of the following correctly identifies the largest asset and the largest liability?
A
Largest asset: Loans; Largest liability: Deposits
B
Largest asset: Investments; Largest liability: Accounts payable
C
Largest asset: Cash; Largest liability: Bonds payable
D
Largest asset: Buildings; Largest liability: Shareholders' equity
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the structure of a typical bank's balance sheet. A balance sheet is divided into assets, liabilities, and equity. Assets represent what the bank owns or controls, liabilities represent what the bank owes, and equity represents the residual interest of shareholders.
Step 2: Identify the largest asset in a bank's balance sheet. Banks primarily generate income by lending money, so loans are typically the largest asset. Loans are recorded as assets because they represent amounts owed to the bank by borrowers.
Step 3: Identify the largest liability in a bank's balance sheet. Deposits are the largest liability because they represent money that customers have placed in the bank, which the bank is obligated to return upon request.
Step 4: Compare the options provided in the problem. The correct identification of the largest asset and liability should align with the typical structure of a bank's balance sheet: Largest asset: Loans; Largest liability: Deposits.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the option that lists 'Largest asset: Loans; Largest liability: Deposits,' as this reflects the standard financial structure of a bank.