Follow Us

Follow us on Twitter  Follow us on LinkedIn
 

07 July 2008

CGFS report on private equity and leveraged finance markets


The development of the leveraged loan market can be seen as an example of the benefits of a system of market-based intermediation of credit, the report finds and highlights a number of risks.

The report highlights a number of risks, including short-term risks associated with the unwanted expansion of arranger banks' balance sheets due to undistributed leveraged loans, medium-term risk resulting from the refinancing needs of highly leveraged corporations and long-term risks for the availability of leveraged finance.

 

The working group report on private equity and leveraged finance markets addresses two broad questions.

  • First, what have been the important trends during the period of rapid growth in the markets for leveraged finance, private equity and leveraged buyouts, and how has market growth affected incentives and corporate structures?
  • Second, how have leveraged finance markets performed since mid-2007, which risks have surfaced, and what preliminary lessons can be drawn for financial stability?

 

The development of the leveraged loan market can be seen as an example of the benefits of a system of market-based intermediation of credit, the report finds. The broadening of the investor base in leveraged finance markets and the growing commitments to private equity funds have increased the availability of alternative sources of capital to businesses, potentially enhancing the resilience of corporations to funding shocks.

 

Recent market events have demonstrated that enhancing transparency and strengthening risk management practices require special attention. For example, more timely disclosure of balance sheet information might enhance transparency and improve creditors’ ability to monitor borrower credit quality. In the area of risk management, improvements in stress testing warrant greater attention.

 

Full text



© BIS - Bank for International Settlements


< Next Previous >
Key
 Hover over the blue highlighted text to view the acronym meaning
Hover over these icons for more information



Add new comment