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Bank 'ratings arbitrage': Is LGD a blind spot in economic capital calculations?

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  • Sundmacher, Maike
  • Ellis, Craig

Abstract

In banking, economic capital is commonly referred to as the level of capital a financial institution needs to hold in order to achieve or maintain its target external credit rating. From a risk management perspective, pricing loan assets based on economic capital is preferred to regulatory capital for its ability to better capture the unique risks and cash flows associated with an exposure. Using a loan pricing model based on economic capital we examine the impact of ratings on loan price and show how financial institutions can engage in 'ratings arbitrage' to target higher external credit ratings without having to increase capital levels by manipulating loss given default data. The potential implications for regulatory authorities of such arbitrage are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Sundmacher, Maike & Ellis, Craig, 2011. "Bank 'ratings arbitrage': Is LGD a blind spot in economic capital calculations?," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 20(1), pages 6-11, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:20:y:2011:i:1:p:6-11
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jackson, Patricia & Perraudin, William & Saporta, Victoria, 2002. "Regulatory and "economic" solvency standards for internationally active banks," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 26(5), pages 953-976, May.
    2. repec:zbw:bofrdp:2006_027 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. Mark Carey, 1998. "Credit Risk in Private Debt Portfolios," Journal of Finance, American Finance Association, vol. 53(4), pages 1363-1387, August.
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    1. Alsakka, Rasha & ap Gwilym, Owain, 2012. "Rating agencies' credit signals: An analysis of sovereign watch and outlook," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 21(C), pages 45-55.
    2. Salvador, Carlos & Fernández de Guevara, Juan & Pastor, José Manuel, 2018. "The adjustment of bank ratings in the financial crisis: International evidence," The North American Journal of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 44(C), pages 289-313.

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