ECS4864 ASSIGNMENT 4 ANSWERS OF SEMESTER 2 OF 2024
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Contents
QUESTION.............................................................................................................. 2
Write an essay with the title: “Systemic Instability of the Banking Sector:
Causes and Cures”,............................................................................................ 2
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................... 2
The Determinants of Liquidity Risk and Solvency Risk.......................................3
Liquidity Risk................................................................................................... 3
Solvency Risk.................................................................................................. 4
Full Convertibility and Liquidity Risk................................................................4
Unlimited Liability and Solvency Risk..............................................................4
The Logic Behind the Ultimate Sources of Balance Sheet Funding.....................5
Excessive Balance Sheet Growth and Solvency Risk..........................................6
Liquidity Risk Constraints and the Role of the Central Bank............................6
Solvency Risk Constraints and Government Measures....................................6
The US Subprime Crisis and the Eurozone Sovereign Debt Crises: Impact on
Banking Stability................................................................................................. 7
The Possibility of a Banking Crisis in South Africa...............................................8
The Consequences of Banking Crises and the Role of Authorities......................9
Impact on the Real Economy...........................................................................9
Micro- and Macro Prudential Regulation- Balancing Individual and Systemic
Stability............................................................................................................ 10
Conclusion- Towards a Resilient and Stable Financial System...........................11
REFERENCES........................................................................................................ 13
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QUESTION
Write an essay with the title: “Systemic Instability of
the Banking Sector: Causes and Cures”,
INTRODUCTION
The banking sector is a cornerstone of modern economies, acting as a critical
intermediary that channels funds from savers to borrowers, thereby facilitating
investment and consumption. By providing essential financial services such as
credit, payment systems, and asset management, banks play a significant role in
supporting economic growth and stability (Mishkin, 2013). However, the banking
sector is also inherently exposed to various types of risks, including credit risk,
market risk, operational risk, liquidity risk, and solvency risk. These risks, if not
properly managed, can accumulate and lead to systemic instability, posing a threat
not only to individual banks but also to the broader financial system and economy.
The complexity and interconnectedness of modern financial systems mean that
problems in one part of the system can quickly spread to others, as demonstrated by
past financial crises. The global financial crisis of 2008, sparked by the collapse of
the subprime mortgage market in the United States, revealed significant
vulnerabilities in the global banking system. The crisis led to widespread financial
instability and a severe economic downturn, highlighting the importance of robust
risk management practices and effective regulatory oversight (Brunnermeier, 2009).
Similarly, the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis exposed the dangers of excessive
sovereign debt and the interdependence between sovereign and banking risks,
further emphasizing the need for sound macro prudential policies (Lane, 2012).
In the South African context, the banking sector is characterized by a high degree of
concentration, with a few large banks dominating the market. This concentration can
pose systemic risks, as problems in one of these institutions could have significant
repercussions for the entire financial system. Moreover, the South African economy
faces unique challenges, including volatile capital flows, exchange rate fluctuations,
