In a time when many regional banks in the United States were making risky investments to generate yield amidst low-interest rates, Andy Beal, the founder, and chairman of Beal Bank, saw an opportunity to make a move that would ultimately quadruple his firm’s assets in a single year.

Capitalizing on Inflation

According to MarketWatch, Beal Bank’s assets skyrocketed from $7.5 billion in late 2021 to an astounding $32.6 billion by the end of 2022, thanks to a well-timed bet on the sudden spike in inflation. Beal Bank strategically purchased $21.2 billion of Treasury bonds, with the majority being Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS) with durations of up to three years. These products help offset the effects of inflation by adjusting the principal amount based on consumer prices.

Beal financed the purchases with lower-yielding certificates of deposit and then hedged with derivatives and swaps contracts to secure lower costs for the bank. Consequently, Beal Bank’s net income leaped from $600 million to $1.48 billion in just a year, and Beal’s net worth is now $10.3 billion, as reported by Forbes.

Taking a Different Path

Unlike other banks that sought to generate yield in a time of record-low interest rates, Beal Bank chose a different path. For example, Silicon Valley Bank infamously loaded up on long-dated mortgage bonds with low-fixed yields and other long-term debt without adequately managing risk and accounting for rising interest rates. This misstep resulted in significant losses on its bond portfolio, which ultimately led to panic over its liquidity position and a run on customer deposits, ending the tech lender’s operations.

A History of Market Navigation

This isn’t the first time Beal Bank has skillfully navigated a turbulent market. Before the Great Financial Crisis, the bank went mostly dormant, only to return after the historic crash and purchase distressed assets at steep discounts. Beal Bank’s ability to capitalize on market volatility and identify lucrative opportunities showcases the importance of strategic thinking and risk management in the banking sector.