We examine the role of bank balance sheet strength in the transmission of financial sector shocks to the real economy. Using data from the syndicated loan market, we exploit variation in banks’ reliance on wholesale funding and their structural liquidity positions in 2007Q2 to estimate the...

Banks may be unable to refinance short-term liabilities in case of solvency concerns. To manage this risk, banks can accumulate a buffer of liquid assets, or strengthen transparency to communicate solvency. While a liquidity buffer provides complete insurance against small shocks, transparency...

This paper analyzes how different types of bank funding affect the extent to which banks ration credit to borrowers, and the impact that capital requirements have on that rationing. Using an extension of the standard Stiglitz-Weiss model of credit rationing, unsecured wholesale finance is shown...

This Occasional Paper provides an overview of the main challenges facing Hong Kong SAR as it continues to become more closely integrated with the mainland of China. Section I provides an overview of recent macroeconomic developments and the main policy issues in Hong Kong SAR. Section II...

This Background Paper on Vanuatu reviews the development of monetary control instruments in five small island economies in the South Pacific (Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, and Western Samoa) and draws some lessons from their experience. The paper highlights that, except Solomon Islands...

This paper presents Post-Program Monitoring Discussions for Indonesia. Macroeconomic and financial market developments were on the whole favorable in 2004. Inflation, after a temporary increase, peaking at 7¼ percent (y/y) in July, edged back down, ending the year at 6½ percent. External...

This study investigates the impact of financial sector reforms on interest rate spreads in the commercial banking system in Malawi. The financial reform program commenced in 1989 when both the Reserve Bank Act and the Banking Act were revised with the easing of entry requirements into the...

The financial system remains vulnerable to weak governance in smaller banks and also to weaknesses in banks’ balance sheets. Banking is characterized by high real interest rates, large spreads, and a limited appetite for lending. Stress tests indicate that the banking system is relatively...

Domestic and external factors combined to bring about the loss of confidence in Argentina that triggered the debt default and the crisis. Restoring confidence in legal certainty has been a major challenge for Argentina. The fiscal program is centered on maintaining tight control over primary...

Good progress has been made in stabilizing the economic and social situation since the crisis. Fiscal adjustment over a prolonged period will bring the public finances to a sustainable path. To protect social expenditures and allow higher public investment, a comprehensive tax reform is...