Identifying Systemically Important Financial Institutions: Size and Other Determinants

Abstract

This paper analyzes the conditions under which a financial institution is systemically important. Measuring the level of systemic importance of financial institutions, we find that size is a leading determinant confirming the usual 'Too Big To Fail' argument. Nevertheless, the relation is non-linear during the recent global financial crisis. Moreover, since 2003, other determinants of systemic importance emerge. For example, decisions made by financial institutions on their choice of asset holdings, methods of funding, and sources of income have had a significant effect on the level of systemic importance during the global financial crises starting in 2008. These findings help to identify systemically important financial institutions by examining their relevant banking activities and to further design macro-prudential regulation towards reducing the systemic risk in the financial system.