Combining balance sheet data on 900,000 firms from 48 countries with information on the adoption of macroprudential policies during 2003-2011, we find that these policies are associated with lower credit growth. These effects are especially significant for micro, small and medium enterprises...

This report presents a long-term view of the evolution of financing of EU non-financial corporations (NFCs) in recent decades. It finds a decline in NFC leverage since at least 2008, and across countries, size categories and industries. It also documents a growing role of non-bank financial...

As a result of the recent financial crisis, there has been significant public debate on the role of the financial sector in bringing about the ""Great Depression."" More generally, there has been debate about whether the current industry structure has enhanced social welfare or served a...

Financing Africa takes stock of Africa's financial systems in light of recent changes in the global financial system -including the greater risk aversion of international investors, a shift in economic and financial powers towards emerging markets and the regulatory reform debate - and the...