This paper investigates the role of off-balance sheet securitization on US bank leverage pro-cyclicality. Effective leverage (taking into account off-balance sheet securitization) is especially relevant for the US, where GAAP accounting rules for securitization allowed until 2009 a...

Using US bank holding company data for the period 2001 to 2007, this paper examines the relationship between banks' retained interests in securitisations and insolvency risk. We find that the provision of credit enhancements and guarantees significantly increases bank insolvency risk, albeit...

This study investigates the association between two measures of bank insolvency risk, the accounting-based z-score and the market-based Merton's distance to default, and asset securitization as the financial crisis approached, unfolded, and in its aftermath. We consider both the risks arising...

Theory suggests that securitization provides financial institutions with an opportunity to lower the cost of funding; improve credit risk management and increase profitability. In practice, as evidence during the recent crisis, it might lead to adverse consequences through a number of indirect...

This study investigates the impact of securitization on the credit-risk taking behavior of banks. Using US bank holding company data from 2001 to 2007 we find that banks with a greater balance of outstanding securitized assets choose asset portfolios of lower credit risk. Examining...