Please also note that the author of this document will not be responsible for any plagiarism you
commit.
Question 1
1. Evaluate the accuracy of each of the following statements. Indicate whether you consider the
statement accurate (true) or not (false) and provide a full motivation for your answer.
1.1. Operational risk is speculative in nature.
False - Operational risk is not speculative. It arises from the potential for losses due to failures in
processes, systems, people, or external events, rather than from the intentional assumption of risk
with the aim of financial gain. Speculative risks are consciously undertaken with the expectation of a
reward, while operational risks are typically unforeseen and occur as a result of normal business
operations.
1.2. Where a bank is unable to meet unexpected demands for cash, it means that the bank is
illiquid and insolvent.
False - The inability to meet unexpected cash demands indicates illiquidity, not insolvency.
Illiquidity refers to a situation where a bank cannot access enough cash or liquid assets to meet
short-term obligations. Insolvency, on the other hand, occurs when a bank’s liabilities exceed its
assets, which is a more serious and long-term financial problem.
1.3. The three pillars of operational risk management and corporate governance in terms of the
new Basel Accord are regulation, supervision and control.
False - The three pillars of operational risk management and corporate governance in the Basel
Accord are not regulation, supervision, and control. The Basel framework focuses on minimum
capital requirements, supervisory review, and market discipline as the core pillars for managing
financial risks, including operational risks.
1.4. Speculators in the financial markets normally have an indifferent attitude towards risk.
False - Speculators in financial markets do not typically have an indifferent attitude toward risk.
Instead, they actively seek and manage risk as part of their strategy to achieve returns. While
speculators may take on higher levels of risk, they do so with the expectation of a reward,
demonstrating a proactive engagement with risk rather than indifference.