Stabilizing leverage, financial technology innovation, and commercial bank risks: Evidence from China

Abstract

With the rapid development of financial technology (FinTech), balancing FinTech innovation with capital risk management is an emerging issue for banks and regulators. To address this issue, we investigate FinTech's impact on the leverage risks of commercial banks. First, we formulate a theoretical model about the optimal leverage ratio determination for commercial banks within the context of FinTech development. We then conduct an empirical study using Chinese banking microdata from 2005 to 2020. Furthermore, we perform robustness tests by varying FinTech indexes. Our empirical results reveal that (1) an optimal leverage ratio exists that minimizes the risks of commercial banks. Furthermore, (2) FinTech helps banks balance their asset allocation structure, playing a countercyclical role in risk reduction. Finally, (3) FinTech can improve profitability and decrease leverage risks of large, medium-sized, and listed banks. These findings can help banks enhance their FinTech innovation capabilities and regulators prevent governance risks.