Parallel stories: FX lending to households in Poland, Romania and Hungary, 1997–2011

The analysis of household foreign currency (FX) lending begins with a short review of the theoretical and empirical literature. I investigate the factors that have helped or hindered such lending, particularly in Central and Eastern Europe. The study goes on to look at the experiences in Poland, Romania and Hungary. The choice is based on the fact that all three countries operate a flexible exchange rate regime and that household FX lending is prevalent in all of them. The analysis of each country touches upon the factors that have contributed to the local development of FX borrowing. However, the study focuses on the regulatory measures taken to curb such lending. The study concludes with a review and critical assessment of the policies that have been adopted with an eye to solving social and economic difficulties arising from FX indebtedness.