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Internal risk limits of dealers and corporate bond market making

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  • Anderson, Christopher S.
  • McArthur, David C.
  • Wang, Ke

Abstract

Using novel supervisory data reported in the Volcker metrics, we examine how the internal risk limits of bank-affiliated corporate bond dealers evolved from 2017 to 2020 as indication of capacity constraints on their market making activity. We document that dealers’ internal risk limits came closer to binding during the March 2020 market turmoil. Although dealers eased their limits to accommodate increased liquidity demand, limit adjustments were not enough to offset the increase in risk exposures. We find limit tightness is negatively associated with subsequent inventory growth at dealers’ bond trading desks, especially during the COVID-19 crisis or on days with limit changes. Overall, our results indicate the importance of internal risk limits in driving dealers’ liquidity provision in time of stress.

Suggested Citation

  • Anderson, Christopher S. & McArthur, David C. & Wang, Ke, 2023. "Internal risk limits of dealers and corporate bond market making," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 147(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbfina:v:147:y:2023:i:c:s0378426622002333
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbankfin.2022.106653
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    2. Dan Li & Lubomir Petrasek & Mary Tian, 2025. "Risk-averse Dealers in a Risk-free Market - The Role of Trading Desk Risk Limits," Finance and Economics Discussion Series 2025-034, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (U.S.).
    3. Black, Jeffrey R. & Das, Nirmol & Leal, Diego, 2025. "Economic policy uncertainty and corporate bond liquidity," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 170(C).
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    5. Chris Anderson & Weiling Liu, 2024. "Inferring Intermediary Risk Exposure from Trade," Management Science, INFORMS, vol. 70(10), pages 6966-6982, October.

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