Hong Kong¡¯s Linked Exchange Rate system (LERS) has been in operation for 25 years during which time many other fixed exchange rate systems have succumbed to shocks and/or speculative attacks. This fact alone suggests that the LERS is a robust system which enjoys a large measure of credibility...

This study assesses the effectiveness and drawbacks of maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratios as a macroprudential tool based on Hong Kong's experience and econometric analyses of panel data from 13 economies. The tool is found to be effective in reducing systemic risk stemming from the...

This note provides a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed regulatory reform by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (BCBS) for Hong Kong. Following largely the methodology of a cross-country analysis by the BCBS, the long-term benefit from the reform is assumed to be derived mainly from a...

Using the stochastic frontier approach and a panel dataset of retail banks, this paper assesses the cost efficiency of the banking sector in Hong Kong. The average cost inefficiency during the period 1992-2005 is found to be about 15% to 29% of observed total costs, which is largely in line with...

This paper analyzes the evolution of competitive conditions of Hong Kong's banking industry based the Panzar-Rosse approach and a panel dataset of retail banks in Hong Kong for the period 1991-2005. Relaxation of bank regulations and bank consolidations have changed substantially the banking...

This paper develops a model to identify the major determinants of a bank's profit, and the general level of profitability of a banking market. It found that in Hong Kong's case, market structure, such as market concentration and market shares of banks, is not a major contributory factor. Cost...