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Understanding Informal Financing

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  • Allen, Franklin
  • Qian, Meijun
  • Xie, Jing

Abstract

This paper offers a framework to understand informal financing based on mechanisms to deal with asymmetric information and enforcement. We find that constructive informal financing such as trade credits and family borrowing that relies on information advantages or an altruistic relationship is associated with good firm performance. Underground financing such as money lenders who use violence for enforcement is not. Constructive informal financing is prevalent in regions where access to bank loans is extensive, while its role in supporting firm growth decreases with bank loan availability. International comparisons show that China is not an outlier but rather average in using informal financing.

Suggested Citation

  • Allen, Franklin & Qian, Meijun & Xie, Jing, 2018. "Understanding Informal Financing," CEPR Discussion Papers 12863, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:12863
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Informal financing; Asymmetric information; Social collateral; Firm growth;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G30 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - General
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance
    • O17 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Formal and Informal Sectors; Shadow Economy; Institutional Arrangements

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