We offer a new test of the ex ante theory of collateral. Theory states that lenders rely less on collateral if they … have better information about borrowers. We test this by contrasting the use of collateral between formal and – better … informed – informal lenders in a developing financial market. Indeed, formal lenders rely about 40% more often on collateral …

The ex ante theory of collateral states that better informed lenders, such as informal lenders, rely less on collateral …. We test this by contrasting the use of collateral between formal and informal lenders in the same market. Indeed, formal … lenders rely more often on collateral, controlling for conventional determinants of collateral. Moreover, better information …

projects. In equilibrium, the collateralization-screening mix depends on the value of aggregate collateral. High collateral … important dynamic implications. During credit booms driven by high collateral values (e.g. real estate booms), the economy … accumulates physical capital but depletes information about investment projects. As a result, collateral-driven booms end in deep …