We analyze the optimal capital structure of a bank issuing countercyclical contingent capital, i.e., notes to be converted in common shares in case of a bad state for the economy. This type of asset reduces the spread of straight debt but is quite expensive. The effect on bankruptcy costs is...

We consider a simple overlapping generations economy where the behavior of intermediaries, in a market characterized by asymmetric information and moral hazard, may give rise to cyclical equilibria. When capital increases output and savings also increase and therefore more capital will be...