Policy discussions on the recent financial crisis feature widespread calls to address the pro-cyclical effects of regulation. The main concern is that the new risk-sensitive bank capital regulation (Basel II) may amplify business cycle fluctuations. This paper compares the leading alternative...

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the financing of the non-financial private sector. Financing of the self-employed and businesses has risen as a consequence of both the increase in demand, stemming from greater liquidity needs and from the perceived increase in refinancing risks,...