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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
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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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    Citations

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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.
    3. Cristina Di Luigi & Antonio Perrella & Alessio Ruggieri, 2024. "The fundamental role of the repo market and central clearing," Mercati, infrastrutture, sistemi di pagamento (Markets, Infrastructures, Payment Systems) 48, Bank of Italy, Directorate General for Markets and Payment System.

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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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