<p>Proof of reserves: This is proof that you actually control at least a particular amount of particular assets.</p>

<p>Proof of liabilities: The is proof that you do not owe more than a particular amount of particular assets.</p>

<p>So, for example, if an exchange can prove that it has reserves of 15,000 Bitcoins and that its owes its customers no more than 14,500 Bitcoins, then it has proven that its Bitcoin holdings are solvent.</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-17T19:02:29.953Z
Does "proof of reserve"s mean the same as "proof of assets" ? Thank you
elli
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-17T20:04:16.403Z
@elenaa They can have slightly different implications, but their meanings overlap. For example, if you wanted to borrow my car and I wanted to be sure you could pay for any damage you might do to my car, I might demand a proof of assets. But that wouldn't be a proof of reserves because no obligation currently exists to reserve funds to meet. Reserves are assets reserved to cover specific liabilities.
David Schwartz
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-14T20:41:22.007Z
2016-06-14T20:41:22.007Z
David Schwartz
<p>What is a brief way of describing what <em>proof of reserves</em> and <em>proof of liabilities</em> mean?<br>
What is their difference? </p>

<p>I have searched and read but I haven't got it yet.<br>
Is it done by an auditor? Is it an audit?</p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-14T19:45:33.307Z
What do you mean by "in 2-lines"?  Are you looking for an answer that is only 2 lines long?
Jestin
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2016-06-14T20:26:53.233Z
Yes! I am sorry. I was trying to say that I wanted a brief explanation
elli
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-14T20:34:12.493Z
I updated your question for clarity.  Keep in mind that not all answers can be kept short, especially if you want them to be correct :)
Jestin
CC BY-SA 3.0
2016-06-14T20:36:48.273Z
Ok! Then I dont mind having a no-brief exaplanation :)
elli
<audits>
What does "proof of reserves" and "proof of liabilities" mean?
elli
# What does "proof of reserves" and "proof of liabilities" mean?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2016-06-14)

What is a brief way of describing what *proof of reserves* and *proof of liabilities* mean?  
What is their difference?

I have searched and read but I haven't got it yet.  
Is it done by an auditor? Is it an audit?

**Tags:** audits

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: What do you mean by "in 2-lines"?  Are you looking for an answer that is only 2 lines long?  
> **username_0**: Yes! I am sorry. I was trying to say that I wanted a brief explanation  
> **username_1**: I updated your question for clarity.  Keep in mind that not all answers can be kept short, especially if you want them to be correct :)  
> **username_0**: Ok! Then I dont mind having a no-brief exaplanation :)  

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_2 on 2016-06-14. Score: 6 | Accepted answer

Proof of reserves: This is proof that you actually control at least a particular amount of particular assets.

Proof of liabilities: The is proof that you do not owe more than a particular amount of particular assets.

So, for example, if an exchange can prove that it has reserves of 15,000 Bitcoins and that its owes its customers no more than 14,500 Bitcoins, then it has proven that its Bitcoin holdings are solvent.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: Does "proof of reserve"s mean the same as "proof of assets" ? Thank you  
> **username_2**: @elenaa They can have slightly different implications, but their meanings overlap. For example, if you wanted to borrow my car and I wanted to be sure you could pay for any damage you might do to my car, I might demand a proof of assets. But that wouldn't be a proof of reserves because no obligation currently exists to reserve funds to meet. Reserves are assets reserved to cover specific liabilities.  

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