Systemic Risk Mitigation in Financial Networks

Abstract

We propose a multi-period clearing framework, where the level of systemic risk is mitigated through provision of liquidity assistance. The interbank liability network evolves stochastically over time, and assets of defaulted banks are sold to qualified banks within the network through a first price sealed-bid auction. We find that policies targeting systemically important banks are more effective in core-periphery network structures, whereas those maximizing the total liquidity in the system are preferred in random network configurations. We assess sensitivity of systemic risk to variations in interbank liabilities as well as to their correlation structure.

Keywords: Systemic risk, mitigation strategies, clearing payments, financial networks

JEL Classification: C63, G21, G33