We show that multi-bank loan pools improve the risk-return profile of banks' loan business. Banks write simple contracts on the proceeds from pooled loan portfolios, taking into account the free-rider problems in joint loan production. Thus, banks benefit greatly from diversifying credit risk...

Developments in risk-transfer instruments and risk management techniques in the last two decades have fundamentally changed how banks manage their assets and liabilities. In this document we show that, for all three sectors of German universal banks (private commercial banks, savings banks, and...

Parallel zum Privatsektor versuchen auch die Aufsichtsbehörden, die Vergütungspraktiken in Banken zu reformieren. Bemerkenswert dabei ist die Bandbreite an teils stark voneinander abweichenden Reformansätzen, was vor allem dem Mangel an empirischen Erkenntnissen zur Wirkung von Bonuszahlungen...

Banks' leverage choices represent a delicate balancing act. Credit discipline argues for more leverage, while balance-sheet opacity and ease of asset substitution argue for less. Meanwhile, regulatory safety nets promote ex post financial stability, but also create perverse incentives for banks...