Original Research
Contingent convertible bonds as countercyclical capital measures
Submitted: 18 May 2016 | Published: 15 June 2017
About the author(s)
Francois Liebenberg, Department of Risk Management, School of Economics, North-West University, South AfricaGary van Vuuren, Department of Risk Management, School of Economics, North-West University, United Kingdom
Andre Heymans, Department of Risk Management, School of Economics, North-West University, South Africa
Abstract
Aim: The effectiveness of the CCB during contractions is not obvious. Contingent convertible (CoCo) bonds – which are bond-like until triggered by a deterioration of a prescribed capital metric, at which point they convert into a form of equity – are explored as a supplementary countercyclical capital measure for such periods to establish whether or not they function effectively.
Setting: The analysis is undertaken using global bank CoCo data, and then applied to South African banks.
Methods: The Hodrick Prescott filter was applied to empirical historical data.
Results: The CCB functions as a good countercyclical capital measure in times of economic expansion by absorbing losses and stabilising the capital base through equity issuance.
Conclusion: The issuance of CoCo bonds – if their trigger mechanisms are designed correctly – may prove helpful to banks and the broader financial sector in times of economic contraction through the countercyclical capital properties that manifest through CoCo bonds under these economic conditions.
Keywords
Metrics
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Crossref Citations
1. Contingent Convertible bond literature review: making everything and nothing possible?
Philippe Oster
Journal of Banking Regulation vol: 21 issue: 4 first page: 343 year: 2020
doi: 10.1057/s41261-019-00122-z