Basel III and SME access to credit : Evidence from France

This paper investigates Basel III potential effects on SME access to bank credit. In an innovative empirical framework, French small firms are studied using microdata over the 2008-2013 periods. We conclude that the new regulation will have an M-shaped impact. Eventually, Basel III eliminates low profitable exposures regardless of their regulatory charge alleviations, restricts risky positions despite of their profitability and digs SME funding gap. Only regulatory adjusted dominant risk/return profiles are funded. On average, no reduction in credit maturity nor in volume is observable. The overall effect ultimately depends on banks’ initial position.