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The systemic risk of leveraged and covenant-lite loan syndications

Author

Listed:
  • Sina, A.
  • Billio, M.
  • Dufour, A.
  • Rocciolo, F.
  • Varotto, S.

Abstract

By modelling the whole U.S. syndicated loan market as a financial network from 2000 to 2022, we find that highly connected institutions hold significant shares of leveraged and covenant-lite loans. Our analysis indicates that the size of leveraged and covenant-lite syndicated loan portfolios increases financial institutions' systemic risk, particularly during recession periods. Although banks commonly sell syndicated loans shortly after origination, our results suggest that they remain vulnerable to pipeline risk. Our study has significant implications for policymakers and regulators, as it can aid in identifying banks exposed to systemic risk associated with leveraged and covenant-lite loans and in ranking systemically important financial institutions accordingly.

Suggested Citation

  • Sina, A. & Billio, M. & Dufour, A. & Rocciolo, F. & Varotto, S., 2025. "The systemic risk of leveraged and covenant-lite loan syndications," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finana:v:97:y:2025:i:c:s1057521924006707
    DOI: 10.1016/j.irfa.2024.103738
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Leveraged loans; Covenant-lite loans; Loan syndication; Systemic risk; Financial networks;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • C45 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods: Special Topics - - - Neural Networks and Related Topics

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