Loan-loss provisions and bank buffer-stock capital
McKenzie, George (1996) Loan-loss provisions and bank buffer-stock capital. Applied Financial Economics, 6, (3), 213-223. (doi:10.1080/096031096334231).
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Description/Abstract
Two problems are identified in the treatment of loan-loss provisions under the Basle Accord as modified in 1991. It is suggested that a distinction should be made between expected and unexpected loan losses and that the former should be treated in the same way that identified losses are. That is, they should not be allowed to count as capital. However, capital should be maintained as a buffer stock available to absorb unexpected losses. The calculation of expected loan losses and the provisioning to cover these losses enables a clearer picture of the economic structure of bank balance sheets. This paper examines the implications for provisioning of (i) the implicit subsidy enjoyed by borrowers in the form of limited liability, and (ii) the expected costs of administering insolvency in the event of borrower default. Critics will argue that the calculation of expected losses is a highly subjective activity. However, the timing of a decision to 'identify' a loss for balance sheet purposes and the level of provisioning against non-performing loans also involve highly subjective judgements. Attempts to calculate expected loan losses focus the attention of bank management on the factors which affect the creditworthiness of borrowers.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| ISSNs: | 0960-3107 (print) |
| Related URLs: | |
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HG Finance |
| Divisions: | University Structure - Pre August 2011 > School of Management |
| Item ID: | 36359 |
| Date Deposited: | 19 Dec 2006 |
| Last Modified: | 02 Mar 2012 11:28 |
| Contributors: | McKenzie, George (Author) |
| Date: | 1996 |
| Status: | Published |
| URI: | http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/36359 |
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