Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Bank Guarantee Fund's deposit guarantee activities

Abstract

Motivation: The Bank Guarantee Fund (BFG) operates by following two formulas, one of which is the implementation of the disbursement of guaranteed amounts. The BFG has been changing the limits of the guaranteed amounts, streamlining and improving the way in which the disbursements are made, as well as conducting information activities. The interest in analysing these activities is the original motive that prompted the present topic.

Aim: The aim of the article is to evaluate the effectiveness of the BFG's deposit guarantee activity by: showing the history of the limit of guaranteed amounts, reviewing selected items of the BFG's balance sheet and the collateral ratio of the deposit guarantee scheme. The 28 years of the BFG's existence have forced the Fund to make progress with computerisation, which is analysed on the basis of the implementation of payouts of two failed banks in Poland. The purpose of the survey is to verify the indirect information activity of the BFG.

Materials and methods: The research tasks were made possible through the use of descriptive analysis, financial analysis, a case study and a survey. The information contained in academic articles, annual reports of the BFG and in the BFG acts was used.

Results: High stability and security of the banking sector is crucial. The BFG's main investment is in securities of the State Treasury and the NBP, which guarantees the deposits of bank customers. The small institutions that are covered by the BFG regime show the highest level of safety, due to the limited risk of contagion in case of their failure. However, large banks have to look after their own interests, as most companies have accounts in these banks. The survey showed low public awareness of deposit guarantees. The BFG should improve its information activities, e.g. with TV and radio advertisements.