The Correlation Problem

Many of the collateral assets in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) segment are purpose specific business premises. Therefore, when borrowers fail, this usually implies that the collateral is occupied by borrowers that have ceased operations. Worse, the type of business previously conducted from the collateral assets is often no longer viable, sharply limiting any occupier demand for the premises. This implies a high correlation between the credit difficulties of the borrower, and the deterioration in value of the collateral.

Read more

COVID-19 and Hotel Loans

COVID has significantly impacted leisure and business travel and the hotel industry. Regardless if your expectations are that the crisis will lead to long-term changes to the industry or, alternatively, that there will an eventual return to the old normal, in the short to medium term the effects of COVID will be profound: travel has plummeted and most hotels are shut.

Read more

The “Good Bad Bank”: An Alternative Approach to Reconciling Sound Banking Systems with Social Policy Objectives

The unique nature of the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on the banking sector calls for an innovative response that balances the needs of the general populace, customers, and shareholders. That being said, while all parties have a vested interest in seeing strong economic recovery through the resolution of distressed loan situations and the continuation of the provision of credit, the desired means through which these ambitions are achieved will inevitably lead to divergent trains of thought.

Read more