The Standardized Approach

Abstract This chapter focuses on the standardized approach, which is the bedrock of the Basel system. Although many of the largest banks are internal ratings-based banks, there is probably no bank currently existing which does not use some elements of the standardized approach as part of its overall capital calculation. The discussions cover classification of exposures, credit conversion factors, and credit risk mitigation; ratings and rating agencies; exposures to sovereigns; multilateral development banks; exposures to banks and financial institutions; exposures to corporates; exposures to retail customers; commercial mortgage exposures; overdue undefaulted exposures; high-risk exposures; covered bonds; securitization exposures; short-term claims on financial institutions and corporates; fund exposures: and off-balance sheet items.