We analyze the determinants of coverage ratios and their components (NPLs and loss loan reserves) in a large sample of European banks. We find that bank-specific factors, and in particular credit risk variables including forward-looking indicators, matter the most. We also uncover that coverage ratios do not adjust sufficiently when asset quality deteriorates but that high-NPL banks tend to be relatively better covered. At the country level, specific macroprudential levers as well as developing NPL secondary markets enhance bank coverage policy. Our findings emphasize the importance of micro prudential oversight and call for more stringent macro policies in high-NPL countries.
Cover your Assets: Non-Performing Loans and Coverage Ratios in Europe
Brunella Bruno;Elena Carletti;Isabella Wolfskeil
2020
Abstract
We analyze the determinants of coverage ratios and their components (NPLs and loss loan reserves) in a large sample of European banks. We find that bank-specific factors, and in particular credit risk variables including forward-looking indicators, matter the most. We also uncover that coverage ratios do not adjust sufficiently when asset quality deteriorates but that high-NPL banks tend to be relatively better covered. At the country level, specific macroprudential levers as well as developing NPL secondary markets enhance bank coverage policy. Our findings emphasize the importance of micro prudential oversight and call for more stringent macro policies in high-NPL countries.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
