MFS - Quick Review
MFS - Quick Review
Module – A
1. Functions of Money
Medium of Exchange: Facilitates transactions and removes the need for barter.
Unit of Account: Provides a standard measure to compare values.
Standard of Deferred Payment: Used in contracts for future payments.
Store of Value: Retains value over time for saving and wealth storage.
(1+i)=(1+r)(1+π)
Where:
Module – B
6. Contactless Payment:
Financial markets transfer funds from surplus units to deficit units for economic growth.
Key Functions:
1. Mobilization of Savings: Encourages savings by providing secure investment options.
2. Facilitating Investment & Capital Formation: Channels savings into productive sectors like industry and
infrastructure.
3. Risk Diversification: Provides a variety of financial instruments to reduce investment risks.
4. Liquidity Provision: Ensures assets can be easily bought and sold without major losses.
5. Price Determination: Asset prices reflect supply and demand, guiding investors.
Financial systems provide liquidity, efficient capital allocation, and risk management.
Key Functions:
1. Mobilization of Savings: Encourages savings into productive investments.
2. Efficient Resource Allocation: Ensures funds go to the most productive sectors.
3. Risk Management: Offers tools for managing financial risks.
4. Facilitating Payments: Supports smooth financial transactions.
5. Providing Liquidity: Ensures availability of funds when needed.
6. Economic Stability: Maintains balance and prevents financial crises.
4. "All Forms of Money Are Financial Instruments, But All Financial Instruments Are Not Money."
Financial instruments include various contracts, while money serves as a medium of exchange.
Key Differences:
1. Purpose: Money enables transactions; other financial instruments help raise capital or investments.
2. Liquidity: Money is highly liquid, while other instruments need conversion.
3. Examples: Money is currency; financial instruments include stocks and bonds.
Financial development includes the expansion of markets, institutions, and instruments to foster economic growth.
Measurement Methods:
1. Financial Depth: Ratio of credit or money supply to GDP, reflecting financial sector size.
2. Access to Financial Services: Measures how accessible banking services are to the population.
3. Efficiency: Assessed by the cost of financial transactions or lending-deposit rate spread.
Module – D
BFIs:
NBFIs:
Functions:
Growth:
Functions:
Growth:
Concept: Banks earn profit by managing risk differences between deposits and loans.
Low-Risk Deposits: Offer safe, low-interest returns to depositors.
High-Risk Loans: Lend to borrowers at higher interest rates with credit risk.
Profit Spread: Interest rate gap between deposits and loans forms profit.
Risk Management: Use tools like diversification and credit assessment to balance risks.
Module – E
Definition: The money market is a segment of the financial market where short-term borrowing, lending, and trading of
financial instruments occur.
Central Banks: Regulate money supply and maintain liquidity through interest rate control.
Commercial Banks: Borrow and lend short-term funds to manage liquidity needs.
Corporations: Use short-term instruments like commercial papers for funding needs.
Money Market Mutual Funds: Invest pooled funds in short-term debt for liquidity and safety.
Governments: Issue Treasury bills to fund short-term needs and offer low-risk options.
Definition: Capital market is a financial market where long-term debt and equity securities are issued and traded.
Definition: Bond market is where investors trade debt securities issued by governments, corporations, or other entities.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is an investment by a foreign entity in business assets of another country with significant
ownership or control.
Balance of Payment (BoP) is a record of all economic transactions between residents of a country and the rest of the world in a
given time.
Central bank bond sales are a monetary policy tool used to reduce the money supply in the economy.
Module – F
Definition: Shari'ah governance refers to a system that ensures all operations and financial products of Islamic Financial
Institutions (IFIs) comply with Islamic law (Shari'ah).
Shari'ah Board: Group of Islamic scholars issuing fatwas and guiding Shari'ah compliance.
Board of Directors: Ensures strategic direction aligns with Shari'ah principles.
Management: Executes daily operations under Shari'ah guidelines.
Shari'ah Compliance Dept.: Monitors and reports financial activities for Shari'ah adherence.
Shari'ah Audit Function: Independently verifies compliance with Shari'ah rulings.
Regulatory Authorities: Provide legal framework for Islamic finance oversight.
Definition: Islamic finance is a financial system based on Islamic law (Shari'ah), which prohibits interest (riba) and emphasizes
ethical and fair transactions.
Three Core Elements: Based on Aqidah (faith), Shari’ah (law), Akhlaq (ethics).
Muamalat: Covers all financial and social dealings in line with Islamic teachings.
No Riba or Gharar: Prohibits interest and excessive uncertainty.
Zakat and Welfare: Encourages redistribution of wealth for social justice.
Ethical Investments: Forbids haram activities (e.g., gambling, alcohol).
Definition: Shari'ah is the divine law of Islam derived from the Qur’an, Hadith, Ijma (consensus), and Qiyas (analogy).
Ijma (Definition): Scholarly consensus on new issues not directly covered in Qur’an/Hadith.
Qiyas (Definition): Analogical reasoning to apply known rulings to new issues.
Qur’an: Primary, divine, and eternal source of Islamic law.
Hadith: Sayings/actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); clarifies the Qur’an.
Difference: Qur’an/Hadith are direct revelations, while Ijma/Qiyas are interpretative tools.
Definition: Islamic banking refers to a banking system that operates in accordance with the principles of Islamic Shari'ah,
prohibiting interest (riba) and promoting ethical finance.
Shari'ah-Compliant Services: Offers financial products that follow Islamic law and avoid riba.
Economic Development: Promotes entrepreneurship and growth through profit-sharing.
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Resource Allocation: Invests in productive and socially beneficial projects.
Fair Income Distribution: Ensures equitable sharing among banks, depositors, and entrepreneurs.
Definition of Riba:
Riba is the unjust gain in trade or business under Islamic law, typically referring to interest on loans. It is strictly prohibited as it
leads to exploitation and unearned profits.
Definition: In Islamic economics, money is a medium of exchange and a measure of value—not a commodity to be traded for
profit.
Conceptual Difference:
Definitions of Products:
Key Features:
Mudarabah (Definition): Trust-based contract—capital from one, management by another, shared profit.
Musharakah (Definition): Joint venture—both provide capital and share results.
Murabaha (Definition): Trade-based sale—bank buys item and resells it at a disclosed profit.
Module – G
1. Why is Financial System Regulation necessary:
1. Ensures Stability: Regulation helps maintain stability within the financial system by preventing risks that can lead to
financial crises.
2. Protects Consumers: It ensures that financial products and services are safe for consumers, preventing fraud and
exploitation.
3. Promotes Fairness: Regulation ensures that all financial institutions operate on a level playing field, preventing
unethical practices.
4. Encourages Confidence: A well-regulated system builds trust in the financial sector, encouraging investment and
economic growth.
The central bank is a national financial institution responsible for managing monetary policy, issuing currency, regulating
financial systems, and ensuring economic stability.
1. Monetary Management
o Control Inflation & Money Supply: Implements policies to control inflation and regulate the money supply.
o Interest Rate Regulation: Adjusts interest rates to stabilize the economy.
2. Issuance of Currency
o Sole Authority: The central bank has the exclusive right to issue national currency.
o Money Supply: Ensures there is an adequate money supply to meet the economic needs.
3. Banking Supervision
o Regulates Banks: Ensures that banks adhere to prudential regulations and maintain financial stability.
o Risk Management: Monitors the financial health of banks and enforces sound risk management practices.
1. Bangladesh Bank (BB): Regulates and supervises banks, monetary policy, and foreign exchange.
2. Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission (BSEC): Oversees the capital market, stock exchanges, and
securities regulations.
3. Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority (IDRA): Regulates the insurance sector, ensuring policyholder
protection.
4. Microcredit Regulatory Authority (MRA): Supervises and regulates microfinance institutions (MFIs).
5. Financial Reporting Council (FRC): Ensures transparency and accountability in financial reporting and auditing.
1. Monetary Policy:
It involves managing the money supply, interest rates, and inflation to maintain price stability and control inflation.
2. Exchange Rate Policy:
The central bank manages the currency exchange rate to ensure stability in foreign trade and protect the currency's value.
3. Financial Stability Policy:
This aims to ensure the stability of the financial system by monitoring risks, regulating financial institutions, and
maintaining liquidity.
4. Banking Supervision:
The central bank supervises and regulates commercial banks and other financial institutions to ensure they operate
within legal and regulatory frameworks.
Short Notes:
NPSB is a central payment platform in Bangladesh designed to facilitate secure, fast, and efficient electronic transactions. It
connects different banks, mobile financial services, and payment service providers. NPSB helps streamline domestic payments
and allows for interbank payments, bill payments, and fund transfers. The system enhances interoperability, providing customers
with better access to various financial products. By ensuring uniform payment standards, NPSB promotes financial inclusion. It
also reduces the risk of fraud and operational errors by using robust security protocols. The platform plays a vital role in
Bangladesh's goal of a cashless economy. NPSB supports e-commerce and mobile banking, promoting digital financial
transactions.
POS refers to the system where retail transactions are completed. It is a critical part of retail businesses, facilitating payments via
debit cards, credit cards, or mobile payment systems. The system includes hardware (card readers) and software to handle
transactions, print receipts, and record sales data. POS systems help merchants track inventory and sales in real time, improving
business operations. They also reduce human errors and speed up the transaction process. In Bangladesh, POS systems are
increasingly being adopted by businesses of all sizes, enabling digital payments. POS technology helps financial institutions
integrate new forms of payment like mobile wallets. The system contributes to increasing the cashless economy and fostering
financial inclusion.
EFT is a system that transfers funds electronically from one bank account to another, eliminating the need for physical cash or
checks. It includes various types of transactions like wire transfers, direct deposits, and online payments. EFT offers speed,
convenience, and security, making it ideal for personal and business payments. In Bangladesh, EFT systems are crucial for
facilitating wage payments, utility bill settlements, and interbank transfers. The system helps reduce costs associated with paper-
based payments and improves financial efficiency. EFT also promotes transparency in transactions by providing a digital trail of
payments. It minimizes the risk of theft or fraud compared to traditional payment methods. The adoption of EFT is key to enhancing
the financial infrastructure of Bangladesh.
4. QR Code
A QR code (Quick Response Code) is a type of matrix barcode that stores information which can be easily scanned using a
smartphone camera. In the context of finance, QR codes are used for quick payments, enabling customers to pay by simply
scanning a code displayed at a merchant location or sent via digital platforms. The use of QR codes in Bangladesh has been
growing, especially in mobile payment systems like bKash and Rocket. They are cost-effective, simple to implement, and increase
the speed of transactions. QR codes reduce the need for physical cards and cash, making transactions faster and more secure. It
also helps small businesses accept digital payments without needing a POS machine. As the government promotes digital payment
systems, QR codes play a critical role in financial inclusion.
5. Sustainable Finance
Sustainable finance refers to investments and financial products that consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
It aims to promote long-term economic growth while addressing global challenges like climate change and social inequality. In
Bangladesh, sustainable finance is gaining traction as the country faces the effects of climate change. Green bonds, socially
responsible investing (SRI), and ESG reporting are examples of sustainable financial practices. The Bangladesh Bank has
encouraged banks to adopt environmentally friendly policies through guidelines for green financing. Sustainable finance ensures
that capital flows toward businesses that positively impact society and the environment. It also offers an opportunity for banks to
diversify portfolios and engage with responsible investing. As awareness grows, sustainable finance is expected to play a
significant role in Bangladesh’s financial sector.
6. Green Banking
Green banking involves practices and policies adopted by financial institutions to support sustainable development and
environmental conservation. It includes financing eco-friendly projects like renewable energy, waste management, and energy-
efficient infrastructure. Green banking aims to reduce the environmental footprint of banking operations, such as reducing paper
use and energy consumption. In Bangladesh, the banking sector has started offering green loans and financial products designed
to address climate change and environmental issues. The Bangladesh Bank has set guidelines for banks to promote green financing
and encourage eco-friendly investments. Green banking helps reduce risks associated with climate change while fostering
sustainable economic growth. It also allows banks to attract environmentally conscious investors. With increasing environmental
awareness, green banking is expected to grow in Bangladesh.
Inclusive finance refers to providing financial services to all individuals, particularly those who are underserved by traditional
banking systems. This includes low-income households, small businesses, and rural populations. In Bangladesh, inclusive finance
plays a significant role in financial inclusion, helping people access basic banking services, microloans, and insurance. The
government and financial institutions are working to promote access to digital financial services through mobile banking and
agents. Products like microcredit and mobile wallets have made it easier for marginalized communities to access credit and savings
accounts. Financial inclusion reduces poverty by allowing individuals to invest in education, health, and entrepreneurship.
Inclusive finance also contributes to the country’s overall economic development by fostering entrepreneurship and economic
participation. The Bangladesh Bank supports inclusive finance by providing regulatory guidelines and encouraging the
development of inclusive financial products.
8. Financial Market
A financial market is a platform where buyers and sellers engage in the trading of financial assets such as stocks, bonds, and
commodities. These markets can be classified into primary and secondary markets, with the primary market dealing with the
issuance of new securities and the secondary market dealing with the trading of existing securities. In Bangladesh, the Dhaka Stock
Exchange (DSE) and the Chittagong Stock Exchange (CSE) are key players in the financial market. The financial market provides
liquidity, allows companies to raise capital, and offers investment opportunities for individuals. The market's stability is crucial
for the country's economic health, as it impacts investment and savings behavior. Financial markets also help set the prices of
assets based on supply and demand dynamics. Regulatory authorities like the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission
(BSEC) ensure the smooth functioning of financial markets. The development of financial markets in Bangladesh is essential for
improving economic growth and attracting foreign investment.
Microcredit refers to the provision of small loans to individuals, particularly in developing countries, who do not have access to
traditional banking services. Microfinance includes a broader range of financial services, such as savings, insurance, and training,
targeted at low-income people or small entrepreneurs. In Bangladesh, microcredit has played a significant role in poverty
alleviation by empowering people, especially women, to start small businesses. Institutions like Grameen Bank have pioneered
microfinance in Bangladesh, helping millions of people gain access to credit for income-generating activities. Microfinance offers
financial inclusion and economic empowerment to marginalized communities. It enables individuals to break the cycle of poverty
and contribute to the country’s economic growth. By offering small loans with low interest rates, microcredit helps increase access
to capital and improve living standards. Microfinance is a vital tool for fostering entrepreneurship and promoting social change.
Development banking refers to financial institutions established to provide long-term credit and financial services to promote
industrialization, infrastructure development, and poverty alleviation. Development banks play a key role in funding projects that
contribute to a nation’s economic development, especially in sectors that may not attract traditional commercial banks due to high
risk. In Bangladesh, institutions like the Bangladesh Industrial Finance Corporation (BIFC) and the Bangladesh Development
Bank Limited (BDBL) provide loans for infrastructure, small businesses, and industrial projects. Development banks focus on
sectors such as agriculture, energy, and transportation, which are vital for economic growth. They offer favorable lending terms,
including low interest rates and longer repayment periods. Development banking also promotes economic diversification and helps
create jobs. These institutions play a crucial role in financing projects that enhance national development and reduce socio-
economic inequalities. Development banks are vital in the financial ecosystem, providing essential capital to boost the economy.
The Federal Funds are overnight borrowings between banks and credit institutions to meet reserve requirements set by the Federal
Reserve. The Federal Reserve Bank does not directly lend the funds but facilitates this borrowing by determining the Federal
Funds rate, which influences the cost of borrowing. The Federal Funds rate is a key benchmark in the U.S. financial system,
affecting the interest rates for loans, savings, and investments. In essence, it impacts monetary policy and liquidity in the banking
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system. Banks lend to one another to ensure that they meet reserve requirements, which help stabilize the financial system. Changes
in the Federal Funds rate can indicate economic conditions and guide monetary policy decisions. For Bangladesh, while it doesn’t
have an identical system, understanding the Federal Funds helps comprehend global banking practices.
A Repurchase Agreement (Repo) is a short-term borrowing agreement where one party sells securities to another with the promise
to repurchase them at a later date for a slightly higher price. Repos are commonly used by financial institutions and central banks
to manage short-term liquidity. In a Repo transaction, the initial sale of securities serves as collateral, making it a relatively low-
risk transaction. Repos can be a tool for banks to manage their cash flow needs without selling off their assets permanently. In
Bangladesh, repo operations are conducted by the Bangladesh Bank to regulate money supply and stabilize the banking system.
The difference in price between the initial sale and the repurchase amount represents the interest on the loan. Repos help maintain
liquidity and promote stability in the financial markets.
Commercial paper is a short-term, unsecured debt instrument issued by corporations to finance their immediate operational needs,
like payroll and inventory. These instruments typically have maturities of 1 to 270 days and are issued in denominations of
$100,000 or more. Investors in commercial paper are usually institutional investors or money market funds, as the instruments are
typically issued at a discount. Commercial paper is a low-cost source of funding for companies with high credit ratings, offering
a better rate compared to bank loans. In Bangladesh, commercial paper issuance is still in its nascent stages but has the potential
to be a significant tool for corporate financing. The risk of investment in commercial paper is considered low, as companies with
strong credit ratings are less likely to default. Commercial paper contributes to a well-functioning money market and is an
alternative to bank financing for large corporations.
A Bankers Acceptance (BA) is a short-term debt instrument issued by a firm and guaranteed by a bank. Typically, it is used in
international trade to finance the import or export of goods. The bank guarantees payment to the seller on behalf of the buyer,
making it a secure transaction. A BA is usually issued for 30 to 180 days, and the buyer's bank pays the face value upon maturity.
This instrument can be traded on the secondary market, offering liquidity to the holder. Bankers Acceptances provide a way for
businesses to engage in international trade with less risk, as the guarantee by a reputable bank ensures payment. In Bangladesh,
BAs are often used in trade finance and are backed by the country's central bank. BAs facilitate smoother cross-border trade and
offer financial institutions a low-risk investment option. They are essential in fostering trust in international transactions and
enhancing global trade relationships.
Municipal bonds (munis) are debt securities issued by local governments or their agencies to finance public projects such as
schools, highways, and hospitals. These bonds offer tax-free interest income to investors, making them attractive for those in high
tax brackets. They come in two main types: general obligation bonds (backed by the issuing government's taxing power) and
revenue bonds (backed by specific revenue sources, like tolls). In Bangladesh, municipal bonds are not yet widely used, but they
hold the potential to support urban infrastructure development. Municipal bonds can help local governments raise necessary funds
without raising taxes. However, the risk of default varies depending on the issuer's financial health. The bond’s interest rate reflects
the creditworthiness of the issuer.
Stock valuation is the process of determining the fair value of a company's shares. It is essential for investors to assess whether a
stock is underpriced or overpriced based on factors such as earnings, growth potential, and market conditions. Common methods
for stock valuation include the Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio, discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, and market comparables. In
Bangladesh, stock valuation plays a critical role for investors in the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE). Accurate stock valuation helps
The pegged exchange rate system is a type of exchange rate regime where a country’s currency is tied or “pegged” to the value of
another major currency, such as the US dollar or euro. Under this system, the central bank of the country will buy and sell its
currency in the foreign exchange market to maintain the peg. The advantage of a pegged system is stability, which helps in
international trade and investment. For Bangladesh, the Taka is linked to the US dollar, which helps maintain relative stability in
trade. However, maintaining a peg requires the central bank to hold large reserves of foreign currencies. If there are significant
changes in global economic conditions, a pegged exchange rate system can be difficult to maintain without depleting the country's
foreign reserves.
Price stability refers to the condition where the general level of prices for goods and services remains relatively constant over time,
without significant inflation or deflation. It is an important goal for central banks as it fosters a predictable economic environment,
encouraging investment and long-term planning. In Bangladesh, the central bank, Bangladesh Bank, strives for price stability by
using monetary policies like adjusting interest rates and controlling the money supply. When inflation is high, purchasing power
is eroded, and when deflation occurs, it can lead to reduced economic activity. Price stability supports sustainable economic
growth, reduces uncertainty, and improves the standard of living. Central banks achieve this through a balanced and cautious
approach to managing inflation rates.
The Lender of the Last Resort (LLR) is a role played by central banks to provide emergency liquidity to financial institutions
facing temporary difficulties in meeting their obligations. This function prevents systemic risks and financial crises. The central
bank typically lends at high interest rates to discourage banks from relying too heavily on this emergency support. In Bangladesh,
Bangladesh Bank acts as the LLR, offering liquidity assistance during crises, such as during a banking liquidity shortfall. By being
the LLR, the central bank ensures that banks can continue to operate smoothly without causing a loss of confidence in the banking
system. It helps to preserve stability in the financial system, thereby avoiding panic-driven bank runs.
The CAMELS rating system is used by regulatory agencies to evaluate the soundness of financial institutions. It stands for Capital
Adequacy, Asset Quality, Management Quality, Earnings, Liquidity, and Sensitivity to Market Risk. Each of these factors is rated
on a scale, typically from 1 to 5, with 1 being the best rating. In Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Bank uses the CAMELS framework
to monitor the health of banks. A high CAMELS rating indicates a strong and stable institution, while a low rating points to
potential risks. The system helps regulators identify troubled institutions early and implement corrective actions to safeguard the
financial system. CAMELS helps ensure banks are operating within safe risk parameters and are resilient to financial stress.
Bai Muazzal is an Islamic financing contract where a bank or financial institution sells goods to a customer at an agreed-upon
price, which includes a profit margin. The customer agrees to pay the price in installments, often with a fixed repayment schedule.
This type of transaction is used to avoid interest, as it is compliant with Islamic principles of not charging riba (interest). In
Bangladesh, Bai Muazzal is offered by Islamic banks and financial institutions, providing an alternative to conventional financing.
The risk is shared between the bank and the customer, as the price of goods is fixed. This contract fosters financial inclusion and
supports the development of the Islamic finance sector in Bangladesh.
A Bankers Bank is a financial institution that serves other banks, providing a variety of services such as facilitating the settlement
of inter-bank transactions, offering emergency liquidity, and assisting with the management of reserves. It helps maintain the
stability and efficiency of the financial system. Bangladesh Bank acts as the bankers' bank in Bangladesh, ensuring that commercial
banks meet their reserve requirements and providing necessary support during times of financial instability. A Bankers Bank also
acts as a central point for clearing and settlement of payments between banks. This function promotes trust and collaboration
among banks, ensuring the smooth functioning of the financial system.
Financial intermediaries are institutions that act as a middleman between savers and borrowers. These include banks, investment
funds, insurance companies, and pension funds. They facilitate the flow of funds from those who have excess money (savers) to
those who need funds for investment (borrowers). In Bangladesh, commercial banks, microfinance institutions, and insurance
companies serve as financial intermediaries, promoting economic development by channeling savings into productive investments.
Financial intermediaries help mitigate risks and provide liquidity. They also improve financial inclusion by offering diverse
products that cater to different segments of the population. By pooling resources, these intermediaries make large-scale financing
feasible.
Commercial bonds are debt securities issued by companies to raise capital for various business purposes, such as funding
expansion, acquisition, or refinancing. These bonds are typically sold to institutional investors and are secured by the company's
assets. They offer a fixed interest rate and have a maturity period, after which the principal is repaid. In Bangladesh, commercial
bonds are not yet a dominant source of funding but are increasingly being used by large corporations for long-term financing.
They are an alternative to bank loans, providing flexibility for businesses. The credit rating of the issuer determines the risk and
return for investors. These bonds contribute to the development of capital markets by diversifying sources of financing.