What tools does the government use to regulate and keep banks from overextending?

The government employs several tools to regulate banks and prevent overextension, including capital requirements, reserve requirements, and stress testing. Capital requirements mandate that banks maintain a certain level of capital relative to their assets, ensuring they have a buffer against losses. Reserve requirements dictate the minimum amount of funds banks must hold in reserve, limiting the amount they can lend. Additionally, regular stress tests assess banks' ability to withstand economic downturns, ensuring they remain stable during financial crises.