Basel II and financial stability: An investigation of sensitivity and cyclicality of capital requirements based on QIS 5

This study aims to analyse the sensitivity of capital requirements to changes in risk parameters (PD, LGD and M) by creating a ‘model bank’ with a portfolio mirroring the average asset composition of internationally active large banks, as well as locally oriented smaller institutions participating in the QIS 5 exercise. Using historical data on corporate default rates, the dynamics of risk weights and capital requirements over a whole business cycle are also examined, with special emphasis on financial stability implications. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of Basel II and to explore the possible impacts of prudential regulation on cyclical swings in capital requirements.