Week 9 - Regulation & Central Banking Flashcards
Are bank runs rational or irrational?
They begin irrationally, then become rational
What is one consequence of a bank run?
Fire sales depress asset prices, especially if multiple banks face runs at the same time
What types of assets are worst affected by fire sales and why?
Opaque/illiquid assets like ABSs & CDOs, because they’re difficult to value
What was a major factor in the failure of Lehman Brothers?
Fire sales of ABSs & CDOs
How can bank runs be mitigated?
Deposit insurance
What is a limitation of deposit insurance?
Only covers up to set amount - most valuable depositors still run
Why are bank runs an even more serious risk today?
Online banking = rapid withdrawals
Why doesn’t regulation seek to eliminate risk?
Risk transfer is a key function & source of profit for FIs
What is the aim of regulation?
To stabilise the banking system by protecting public confidence, which prevents runs
What is the difference between regulation & supervision?
- Regulation = establish rules
- Supervision (monitoring) = verifies compliance
What are the types of banking regulation?
- Macro-prudential
- Micro-prudential
- Conduct-of-business
What is the purpose of macro-prudential regulation?
- Combat moral hazard
- Internalise costs to reduce system risk
What effect did the GFC have on banking regulation?
Revealed micro-prudential was inadequate – macro is needed too
How does macro-prudential regulation work?
It creates a financial safety net system to ensure a country’s financial stability & minimise risk of banking crisis
What does macro-prudential regulation involve?
Three pillars:
1. Deposit insurance
2. Lender of last resort
3. Resolutions laws / cooperation & resolution process
What is an example of deposit insurance in action?
When SVB had its run in ‘23, the Fed removed upper limit, which was expensive but somewhat effective
What is the drawback of deposit insurance?
Creates moral hazard so must be saved for emergencies
What is the purpose of resolutions laws / cooperation & resolution process?
Allow inefficient banks to exit the market in an orderly way
What is the purpose of micro-prudential regulation?
Control liquidity, solvency & riskiness of individual financial institutions
What is micro-prudential regulation concerned with?
- Asset quality (NPL) – are banks allocating funds efficiently?
- Capital adequacy (min capital requirements) – are banks capitalised enough to cover risks?
How did micro-prudential regulation change in response to GFC?
Become less focused on liability side (e.g. diversified deposits)
What is one benefit of micro-prudential regulation?
Reduces information asymmetry – helps customers judge safety & soundness
Is bank capital regulation macro- or micro-prudential?
Micro
What is the main focus of conduct-of-business regulation?
Mandatory information disclosure to customers
What are some secondary concerns of conduct-of-business regulation?
- Honesty & integrity
- Competence
- Fair business practices
- Marketing
What are the limitations of regulation in general?
- Moral hazard
- False confidence
- Innovations like securitisation / regulatory arbitrage
- Compliance costs -> cost to customers
How does regulation benefit markets?
Creates trust
What does FSA stand for?
Financial Services Authority
What was unique about the FSA?
Handled all regulation for all UK FIs – innovative / efficient
How did UK regulation change after the GFC?
FSA replaced with Twin Peaks system
What are the ‘twin peaks’?
PRA + FCA + FPC
What does PRA stand for?
Prudential Regulation Authority
What does FCA stand for?
Financial Conduct Authority
What does FPC stand for?
Financial Policy Committee