Rules versus Discretion in Loan Rate Setting

G.M. Cerqueiro, H.A. Degryse, S. Ongena

Research output: Working paperDiscussion paperOther research output

401 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

We propose a heteroscedastic regression model to identify the determinants of the dispersion in interest rates on loans granted to small and medium sized enterprises. We interpret unexplained deviations as evidence of the banks’ discretionary use of market power in the loan rate setting process. “Discretion” in the loan-pricing process is most important, we find, if: (i) loans are small and uncollateralized; (ii) firms are small, risky and difficult to monitor; (iii) firms’ owners are older, and, (iv) the banking market where the firm operates is large and highly concentrated. We also find that the weight of “discretion” in loan rates of small credits to opaque firms has decreased somewhat over the last fifteen years, consistent with the proliferation of information-technologies in the banking industry. Overall, our results reflect the relevance in the credit market of the costs firms face in searching information and switching lenders.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationTilburg
PublisherFinance
Number of pages42
Volume2007-59
Publication statusPublished - 2007

Publication series

NameCentER Discussion Paper
Volume2007-59

Keywords

  • financial intermediation
  • loan rates
  • price discrimination
  • variance analysis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Rules versus Discretion in Loan Rate Setting'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this