The impact of Basel II reforms : a contraction in SME lending

Abstract

The implementation of Basel II reforms has been designed to protect the international financial system from major bank collapses through the enforcement of minimum capital adequacy ratios. This new set of rules has raised concerns of triggering changes in institutions' business models leading to credit contraction, which in turn could potentially contribute to slower global economic development. Small and Middle Enterprises, which have traditionally been engines of growth, innovation, and R&D in Europe, are highly reliant on bank loans as opposed to equity funding. This thesis focuses on the specific impact of Basel II reforms on SME access to financing. The paper is structured around four sections. Part I provides a technical summary of the regulation, focusing on the specific capital requirements for SMEs. Part II reviews today's literature on the topic. Finally, parts III and IV respectively provide a theoretical and empirical examination of the consequences of the reforms on SME financing. Based on these analyses, this thesis supports the conclusion that Basel II reforms have not been the cause of a contraction in SME lending.