This paper aims to contribute to the literature on the determinants of bank-specific insolvency risk.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to contribute to the literature on the determinants of bank-specific insolvency risk.
Design/methodology/approach
By applying a dynamic two-step System GMM estimator on a novel, representative panel of 339 Finnish unlisted cooperative and savings banks over the period 2002-2018.
Findings
This study contributes to the literature on the determinants of bank-specific insolvency risk by applying a dynamic two-step System GMM estimator on a novel, representative panel of 339 Finnish unlisted cooperative and savings banks over the period 2002-2018. The key findings suggest that Finnish banks have become less fragile under the renewed EU banking regulation. In particular, the CRD IV has affected banks’ equity levels. This study also captures the detrimental effect of cost inefficiency as well as a positive relationship between the income diversification and insolvency risk. A negative relationship between the GDP growth rate and the insolvency risk is also reported although results suggest that the effect is not immediate.
Originality/value
This result is discussed together with other macroeconomic factors. The consequent conclusion underlines the fundamental significance of overall macroeconomic dynamics. From the perspective of regulatory harmonization, more research is needed to address the level of homogeneity of macroeconomic dynamics between different geographical and cultural regions.
Details
Keywords
Matti Turtiainen, Jani Saastamoinen, Niko Suhonen and Tuomo Kainulainen
In the European Union, the Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Directive (UCITS IV) requires fund management companies to provide a Key Investor…
Abstract
Purpose
In the European Union, the Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities Directive (UCITS IV) requires fund management companies to provide a Key Investor Information Document (UCITS KIID) for investors. This papers uses archival data from the Finnish mutual fund market to test how the regulation's information disclosure requirements concerning past performance, risk and fund fees are associated with mutual fund flows.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses archival data on the mutual funds market in Finland to test how the regulation relating to retail investors' information requirements is associated with mutual fund flows.
Findings
Our findings suggest that the UCITS KIID predicts retail investors' fund flows. While past performance is associated with fund flows throughout the observation period, retail investors appear to have become more sensitive to fund fees and invest in less risky funds following the adoption of the UCITS IV period.
Practical implications
Information relating to fund fees and risk appears to be relevant to retail investors, which should be acknowledged in future iterations of short-form disclosure and in mutual fund marketing.
Originality/value
This paper is the first to assess the significance of KIID in actual market environment.