Identified Losses [Banks & Banking]: A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

Identified losses refer to specific financial losses that a bank or other insured depository institution recognizes as chargeable against its income, capital, or general valuation allowances. These losses are determined by evaluations conducted by state or federal examiners during inspections or assessments of the institution. Identified losses can include:

  • Assets classified as losses
  • Off-balance sheet items classified as losses
  • Provisions necessary to maintain adequate general valuation allowances
  • Liabilities not recorded on the institution's books
  • Estimated losses from contingent liabilities
  • Account discrepancies indicating shortages

Table of content

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A bank undergoes an examination and finds that certain loans are unlikely to be repaid, leading to a classification of these loans as identified losses. The bank must then adjust its capital reserves accordingly.

Example 2: A financial institution identifies discrepancies in its accounts that indicate potential losses not previously recorded. These identified losses must be addressed in its financial statements. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Charge-off A formal declaration that a portion of a loan is unlikely to be collected. Identified losses may include potential losses not yet formally declared as charge-offs.
Provision for loan losses An expense set aside to cover potential future loan losses. Identified losses are specific items recognized at the time of evaluation, while provisions are estimates for future losses.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are a bank or financial institution and believe you may have identified losses, it is important to conduct a thorough evaluation of your assets and liabilities. You may want to consult with financial advisors or legal professionals to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, consider using US Legal Forms' templates to assist in documenting and managing these evaluations effectively.

Quick facts

  • Identified losses must be assessed by state or federal examiners.
  • They can impact a bank's capital reserves and financial statements.
  • Failure to recognize identified losses can lead to regulatory penalties.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Identified losses are financial losses recognized by banks during evaluations that impact income and capital.