Asset-Liability Committee (ALCO): Role and Example

An asset-liability committee (ALCO) is the management group responsible for overseeing a financial institution’s balance-sheet structure, funding profile, liquidity position, and interest-rate exposure.

How It Works

ALCO decisions can include deposit pricing, funding mix, duration positioning, hedging, and balance-sheet growth targets. The committee helps management connect day-to-day balance-sheet choices with broader risk appetite and strategic objectives.

Worked Example

If a bank sees deposit outflows and rising funding costs, ALCO may respond by changing liability pricing, reducing duration exposure, or adjusting securities purchases.

Scenario Question

A banker says, “ALCO is mainly a compliance meeting with no real influence on balance-sheet decisions.”

Answer: That understates its role. Strong ALCO governance can shape pricing, hedging, liquidity planning, and risk limits.

Related Terms

• Asset-Liability Management (ALM): ALCO is a governance body within the wider ALM process.
• Liquidity Risk: Liquidity planning is often a core ALCO responsibility.
• Economic Value of Equity (EVE): EVE is one of the measures an ALCO may monitor.