ECB report on recent advances in modelling systemic risk using network analysis

07 January 2010

This is the summary of an ECB workshop hosted in October 2009. It highlights the potential of network theory to enhance the tools for macro-prudential analysis, market infrastructure oversight and counterparty risk management. It also proposes several avenues for future research.

In October 2009 the European Central Bank (ECB) hosted a workshop entitled Recent advances in modelling systemic risk using network analysis. Today, the ECB is publishing a summary of the workshop, which was attended by experts from central banks and international organisations working in the fields of financial stability and payment system analysis/oversight.

The global financial crisis clearly illustrated the role of financial linkages as a channel for the propagation of shocks to and within the financial system. Recent research in the area of financial network analysis has shown that modelling and simulating the interlinking exposures between financial institutions and sectors of the economy or across entire national financial systems can reveal vulnerabilities that would otherwise remain undetected.
The aim of the workshop was to exchange views and experiences in the field of financial network analysis. It also aimed to improve awareness of network modelling in general and to enhance knowledge of the possibilities and limitations of this area of analysis.
The workshop highlighted the potential of network theory to enhance the tools for macro-prudential analysis, market infrastructure oversight and counterparty risk management and proposed several avenues for future research.
The report presents the following topic:
·         Analysis of network topology,recent advances and applications
·         Interdependencies amonginstitutions, sectorsand systems
·         Interbank credit, markets and liquidity management in large value payment systems
·         System-level liquidity effects and networks in early warning models
 
 
Full report

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