An Empirical Analysis of the Risk-Taking Channel of Monetary Policy in Turkey

Creative Commons License

Ozsuca E. A., AKBOSTANCI ÖZKAZANÇ E.

EMERGING MARKETS FINANCE AND TRADE, vol.52, no.3, pp.589-609, 2016 (SSCI) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 52 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2016
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/1540496x.2015.1047300
  • Journal Name: EMERGING MARKETS FINANCE AND TRADE
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.589-609
  • Keywords: monetary policy, transmission mechanisms, risk-taking channel, Turkey, panel data, BANK, COMPETITION, GROWTH
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This article investigates the bank-specific characteristics of risk-taking behavior of the Turkish banking sector as well as the existence of risk-taking channel of monetary policy in Turkey. Using bank-level quarterly data over the period 2002-2012 a dynamic panel model is estimated. We find evidence that low short-term interest rates reduce the risk of outstanding loans; however short-term interest rates below a theoretical benchmark increase risk-taking of banks. This result holds for macroeconomic controls and external factors as well. Furthermore, in terms of bank-specific characteristics, our analysis suggests that large, liquid, and well-capitalized banks are less prone to risk-taking.