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Optimal capital ratios for banks in the euro area

Author

Listed:
  • Beau Soederhuizen

    (CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis)

  • Bert van Stiphout-Kramer

    (CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis)

  • Harro van Heuvelen

    (CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis)

  • Rob Luginbuhl

    (CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis)

Abstract

Capital buffers help banks to absorb financial shocks. This reduces the risk of a banking crisis. However, on the other hand capital requirements for banks can also lead to social costs, as rising financing costs can lead to higher interest rates for customers. In this research we make an exploratory analysis of the costs and benefits of capital buffers for groups of European countries. In this study, we estimate the optimal level of capital for banks in the euro area. As far as we know, we are the first to investigate this for the euro area. The optimal level results from a trade-off between the social costs and benefits of capital requirements. Depending on technical assumptions, we find an optimal capital buffer between 15 and 30 percent. Despite this considerable spread, the estimated optimum is in all cases higher than the current minimum requirements of Basel III. We also find significant heterogeneity in the optimum between euro area Member States. For Member States with a more stable economy and a banking sector that can easily attract funding we find lower optimal capital ratios.

Suggested Citation

  • Beau Soederhuizen & Bert van Stiphout-Kramer & Harro van Heuvelen & Rob Luginbuhl, 2021. "Optimal capital ratios for banks in the euro area," CPB Discussion Paper 429, CPB Netherlands Bureau for Economic Policy Analysis.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpb:discus:429
    DOI: 10.34932/yy4h-xp73
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    JEL classification:

    • C33 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Models with Panel Data; Spatio-temporal Models
    • C54 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric Modeling - - - Quantitative Policy Modeling
    • E44 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Financial Markets and the Macroeconomy
    • G15 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - International Financial Markets
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages

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