Interbank Lending, Credit-Risk Premia, and Collateral

by Florian Heider and Marie Hoerova
European Central Bank

Abstract

We study the functioning of secured and unsecured interbank markets in the presence of credit risk. The model generates empirical predictions that are in line with developments during the 2007–09 financial crisis. Interest rates decouple across secured and unsecured markets following an adverse shock to credit risk. The scarcity of underlying collateral may amplify the volatility of interest rates in secured markets. We use the model to discuss various policy responses to the crisis.

JEL Codes: G01, G21, E58.

 
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Discussion by Ernst-Ludwig von Thadden