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Window dressing of regulatory metrics: evidence from repo markets

Author

Listed:
  • Bassi, Claudio
  • Behn, Markus
  • Grill, Michael
  • Waibel, Martin

Abstract

This paper investigates both the magnitude and the drivers of bank window dressing behaviour in euro-denominated repo markets. Using a confidential transaction-level data set, our analysis illustrates that banks engineer an economically sizeable contraction in their repo transactions around regulatory reporting dates. We establish a causal link between these reductions and banks’ incentives to window dress and document the role of the leverage ratio and the G-SIB framework as the most relevant drivers of window dressing behaviour. Our findings suggest that regulatory action is warranted to limit banks’ ability to window dress. JEL Classification: C23, G14, G18, G21, G28

Suggested Citation

  • Bassi, Claudio & Behn, Markus & Grill, Michael & Waibel, Martin, 2023. "Window dressing of regulatory metrics: evidence from repo markets," Working Paper Series 2771, European Central Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecb:ecbwps:20232771
    Note: 2203070
    as

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    File URL: https://www.ecb.europa.eu//pub/pdf/scpwps/ecb.wp2771~fc55bab0d6.en.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Fritsche, Jan Philipp & Grill, Michael & Lambert, Claudia, 2020. "Bond market liquidity and swap market efficiency – what role does the repo market play?," Economic Bulletin Boxes, European Central Bank, vol. 1.
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    Cited by:

    1. Justus Inhoffen & Iman van Lelyveld, 2023. "Safe Asset Scarcity and Re-use in the European Repo Market," Working Papers 787, DNB.
    2. Justus Inhoffen & Iman van Lelyveld, 2023. "Safe Asset Scarcity and Re-use in the European Repo Market," Discussion Papers of DIW Berlin 2050, DIW Berlin, German Institute for Economic Research.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    banking regulation; G-SIBs; leverage ratio; repo markets; window dressing;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C23 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • G14 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Information and Market Efficiency; Event Studies; Insider Trading
    • G18 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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