On the Rationale of Bank Lending in Pre-Crisis Thailand

Evidence from credit files is provided to examine bank lending determinants of Thai commercial banks. Their lending practice follows reasonable patterns as a standard set of variables, including indirect risk variables, explains much of the variance in interest rate spread. Reflecting institutional differences with mature markets, we find higher importance of relationship banking and risk control via credit availability. Information about later default reveals prudent relationship lending. However, banks could have made better use of available information about borrowers' riskiness. These findings do not support a general verdict of bad banking but indicate room to improve lending decisions.Financial system, bank lending, relationship lending, financial crises, emerging economies, Thailand

THE RATIONALE OF BANK LENDING IN PRE-CRISIS THAILAND

A data set of 560 credit files from Thai commercial banks is compiled. The loans granted between 1992 and 1996 follow a pattern known from mature markets as a similar set of variables explains much of the variance in interest rate spread. A second finding is the expected higher importance of "relationship banking". Third, risk is controlled via credit availability and not via pricing. Fourth, the ex post information about riskiness reveals that banks could have made better use of available information. Overall, the problem was not excessive lending to firms with which the lenders had close relationships, but rather one of fully recognizing the risk factors.Financial Economics,

THE RATIONALE OF BANK LENDING IN PRE-CRISIS THAILAND

A data set of 560 credit files from Thai commercial banks is compiled. The loans granted between 1992 and 1996 follow a pattern known from mature markets as a similar set of variables explains much of the variance in interest rate spread. A second finding is the expected higher importance of "relationship banking". Third, risk is controlled via credit availability and not via pricing. Fourth, the ex post information about riskiness reveals that banks could have made better use of available information. Overall, the problem was not excessive lending to firms with which the lenders had close relationships, but rather one of fully recognizing the risk factors

10 Years after the Crisis: Thailand's Financial System Reform

This paper uses the framework of long-term financial system development to describe and assess the reform process in Thailand after 1997. The present financial reforms are well in line with the pattern of financial development found in the academic literature. A detailed analysis of capital markets, specialized financial institutions and supervisory regulation shows recent advancements and open issues. The rapid rise of non-banks financial institutions can serve as a paradigmatic example of market driven dynamism requiring appropriate policy action. Overall, the building of modern and sophisticated financial institutions is an ongoing process which should consider human resource constraints.Financial institutions, financial development, Thailand

Financial Liberalisation in Emerging Markets: How Does Bank Lending Change?

Financial liberalisation has often failed in the past due to underestimated problems of structural change. We analyse such changes in lending behaviour of Thai commercial banks during a liberalisation phase by way of unique micro data. Liberalisation has expected positive effects, such as lowering the interest rate spread and collateral requirements. Liberalisation causes structural change, such as a decline in collateral-based and relationship banking. However, the liberalisation evidence is consistent with more risk taking, such as lending to more risky projects and less protection against default. The Thai experience suggests obvious policy lessons.financial liberalisation, lending decisions, emerging economies, Thailand

On the rationale of bank lending in pre-crisis Thailand

Evidence from credit files is provided to examine bank lending determinants of Thai commercial banks. Their lending practice follows reasonable patterns as a standard set of variables, including indirect risk variables, explains much of the variance in interest rate spread. Reflecting institutional differences with mature markets, we find a higher importance of relationship banking and risk control via credit availability. Information about later default reveals prudent relationship lending. However, banks could have made better use of available information about borrowers' riskiness. These findings do not support a general verdict of bad banking but indicate room to improve lending decisions.