We develop a model where institutions form connections through swaps of projects in order to diversify their individual risk. These connections lead to two different network structures. In a clustered network groups of financial institutions hold identical portfolios and default together. In an...

We develop a model where financial institutions swap projects in order to diversify their individual risk. This can lead to two different asset structures. In a clustered structure groups of financial institutions hold identical portfolios and default together. In an unclustered structure...

Economic growth in Africa has long been disappointing. We document that the financial sectors of most sub-Saharan African countries remain significantly underdeveloped by the standards of other developing countries. We examine the factors that are associated with financial development in Africa...