The Promise and Limits of Financial Engineering in Emerging Markets

Abstract:     
This paper considers why quality enhancement is sometimes, but not always, available for emerging markets financial instruments. It concludes that sometimes, but not always, economies of scope will permit quality enhancement to be provided at a cost lower than the associated benefit. These economies of scope are available when political risk is below a certain level; if political risk is, or is perceived to be, at or above that level, quality enhancement will not be available, except on terms likely not to be worthwhile for an emerging markets firm. More broadly, the increment of quality enhancement that can be exploited is limited. However, financial engineering has shown some promise in increasing the exploitable increment.

JEL Classifications: F21, F34, G15, G32, K22

Accepted Paper Series