We provide an explanation for hedging as a means of allocating rather than reducing risk. We argue that firms facing a total risk constraint optimally allocate risk by reducing (increasing) exposure to risks providing zero (positive) economic rents. Our evidence suggests that mutual thrifts which convert to stock institutions reduce interestrate risk through improved balance sheet maturity matching and increased derivatives use at the time of conversion. This interest-rate risk reduction is followed by slower growth in credit risk. Post-conversion, risk management activities are significantly related to growth capacity and management compensation structure attained at conversion.