How Big Is the Implicit Subsidy for Banks Considered Too Important to Fail?

Abstract

This paper looks at the issue of too-important-to-fail and provides new estimates of the implicit funding subsidy received by systemically important banks. The subsidy comes from the expectation that the government will support large banks if they get into distress. Although financial reforms have helped reduce this subsidy, it remains sizeable. Policymakers should aim to remove this advantage to protect taxpayers, ensure a level playing field, and promote financial stability.

Keywords: too-big-to-fail, too-important-to-fail, banks, implicit subsidy, financial reforms

JEL Classification: G21, G24, G28