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Does uncertainty matter for loan charge-offs ?

Author

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  • Laetitia Lepetit

    (LAPE - Laboratoire d'Analyse et de Prospective Economique - GIO - Gouvernance des Institutions et des Organisations - UNILIM - Université de Limoges)

  • Frank Strobel
  • David G. Dickinson

Abstract

Using a stylized real options model, we show that discretion over the timing of charging off a non-performing loan could be economically justified when collateral values are uncertain and there is a chance of loan recovery. The implied hypothesis of an "uncertainty dependence" aspect in loan charge-offs is empirically tested and validated using a panel of European banks. A welfare-maximizing regulator might want to let banks pursue such discretionary loan charge-off behavior, with the problem of distinguishing it from alternative capital management and income smoothing objectives, while transparency-seeking accounting standards setters would presumably not. © 2011 Elsevier B.V.

Suggested Citation

  • Laetitia Lepetit & Frank Strobel & David G. Dickinson, 2012. "Does uncertainty matter for loan charge-offs ?," Post-Print hal-00785626, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-00785626
    DOI: 10.1016/j.intfin.2011.09.006
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    Cited by:

    1. Chaiporn Vithessonthi, 2016. "The Consequences of Bank Loan Growth: Evidence from Asia," PIER Discussion Papers 19., Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research, revised Feb 2016.
    2. Claudio Borio & Boris Hofmann, 2017. "Is Monetary Policy Less Effective When Interest Rates Are Persistently Low?," RBA Annual Conference Volume (Discontinued), in: Jonathan Hambur & John Simon (ed.),Monetary Policy and Financial Stability in a World of Low Interest Rates, Reserve Bank of Australia.
    3. Danisman, Gamze Ozturk & Demir, Ender & Ozili, Peterson, 2021. "Loan loss provisioning of US banks: Economic policy uncertainty and discretionary behavior," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 923-935.
    4. Vithessonthi, Chaiporn, 2023. "The consequences of bank loan growth: Evidence from Asia," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 252-270.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Discretion; Loan charge-off; Real option; Uncertainty dependence;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages

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