We study how investors account for the riskiness of banks' risk-weighted assets (RWA) by examining the determinants of stock returns and market measures of risk. We find that banks with higher RWA had lower stock returns over the US and European crises. This relationship is weaker in Europe...

We use data for more than 2,600 European banks to test whether increased competition causes banks to hold higher capital ratios. Employing panel data techniques, and distinguishing between the competitive conduct of small and large banks, we show that banks tend to hold higher capital ratios...

The impact of the financial crisis on Sweden’s economy and financial sector is analyzed in this study. From the financial stability analysis, banks are resilient to credit risk and could face difficulties with respect to liquidity risk. The frameworks of international reserve management...

This paper focuses on targeted detailed assessment of observance of the Basel Core Principles for effective banking supervision. The selection of the principles to be reassessed was made by the mission team based on an analysis of the risks and vulnerabilities of the Russian Federation. It was...

We identify different sources of risk as important determinants of banks' corporate structures when expanding into new markets. Subsidiary-based corporate structures benefit from greater protection against economic risk because of affiliate-level limited liability, but are more exposed to the...

Recapitalizing banks in a systemic crisis is a complex medium-term process that requires significant government intervention and careful management at both the strategic and individual bank levels. This paper highlights the range of operational and strategic issues to be addressed and the...

This paper discusses key findings of the Detailed Assessment of Observance of the Basel Core Principles for Denmark. The assessment reveals that the basic legal framework is contained in the Financial Business Act (FBA), and in executive orders and explanatory guidelines issued pursuant to the...

Even though the Russian authorities have maintained financial stability at the time of a major global shock, the financial system is still weak. The crisis has set back progress toward a strong, competitive banking system for the future. The recent unification of the supervision of nonbank...

This paper presents the Financial Sector Stability Assessment Update on the Russian Federation. Indicators of bank soundness and performance are broadly favorable but credit risk poses a challenge over the medium term, and capitalization should rise to support continued banking sector...

This paper assesses compliance of the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision in Spain. Significant changes have occurred in Spain since the last Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP). The most serious has been the deterioration of the economy and the real estate sector. The...