The Role of the Number of Banks on Debt Dynamics: Evidence from Eurozone Countries

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of impacts of the banking market structure on debt dynamics. Using a simple theoretical model, we analytically find a positive link between number of banks and growth rate of debt. By applying panel data analysis on a set of Eurozone countries, sufficient evidence for this positive relationship is provided. In case of Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain (PIGS countries) the effects are more pronounced. More specifically, the dominant effects on debt were the GDP growth rate, the primary balance over debt ratio and the number of banks. Therefore, bank regulation should pay attention on theses linkages, implying significant benefits for debt stability. © 2017 Oldenbourg Wissenschaftsverlag GmbH.