Banks’ Maturity Transformation: Risk, Reward, and Policy
Author: Pierluigi Bologna
Publisher: International Monetary Fund
Published: 2018-03-09
Total Pages: 32
ISBN-13: 1484346696
DOWNLOAD EBOOKThe aim of this paper is twofold: first, to study the determinants of banks’ net interest margin with a particular focus on the role of maturity transformation, using a new measure of maturity mismatch; second, to analyse the implications for banks from the relaxation of a binding prudential limit on maturity mismatch, in place in Italy until mid-2000s. The results show that maturity transformation is a relevant driver of the net interest margin, as higher maturity transformation is typically associated with higher net interest margin. However, ‘excessive’ maturity transformation— even without leading to systemic vulnerabilities— increases banks’ interest rate risk exposure and lowers their net interest margin.