Briefing

Experimenting with contingent capital triggers

Abstract: Contingent capital is debt that converts to equity when some triggering event occurs. It can automatically recapitalize a bank in distress, thus avoiding potentially costly failure. Unfortunately, little is known empirically about contingent capital regimes because there have been only a few issuances of contingent capital. Results from laboratory experiments suggest that contingent capital with price triggers would increase volatility of prices and the chance of mistakes in conversion decisions.Contingent capital is debt that converts to equity when some triggering event occurs. It can automatically recapitalize a bank in distress, thus avoiding potentially costly failure. Unfortunately, little is known empirically about contingent capital regimes because there have been only a few issuances of contingent capital. Results from laboratory experiments suggest that contingent capital with price triggers would increase volatility of prices and the chance of mistakes in conversion decisions.

Keywords: Financial markets; Financial institutions;

Bibliographic Information

Provider: Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Part of Series: Richmond Fed Economic Brief

Publication Date: 2012

Issue: Feb

Order Number: 12-02