What should credit analysis of banks primarily consider?

Credit analysis of banks primarily focuses on the assessment of their capital adequacy because this measure indicates a bank's financial health and its ability to absorb potential losses. Capital adequacy is crucial for banks as it provides a buffer against losses while still maintaining sufficient liquidity for operational needs. Regulators often require banks to maintain a minimum level of capital, and those with higher capital adequacy ratios are seen as more resilient during economic downturns or financial crises.

By analyzing capital adequacy, credit analysts can determine whether a bank has sufficient capital not only to meet its regulatory requirements but also to protect depositors' interests. This aspect of credit analysis is vital for assessing the overall stability and creditworthiness of a financial institution. It ensures that the bank is not over-leveraged and has a stable foundational structure to support its operations and growth.

Other aspects such as cross-industry and time-series ratio analysis, CRA ratings, and expected size of deposits can provide relevant information but do not encompass the fundamental risk assessment that capital adequacy provides in the context of understanding a bank's ability to manage credit risk effectively.