Finance and Economics Discussion Series (FEDS)

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April 2018

Collateral Runs

Sebastian Infante and Alexandros P. Vardoulakis

Abstract:

This paper models an unexplored source of liquidity risk faced by large broker-dealers: collateral runs. By setting different contracting terms on repurchase agreements with cash borrowers and lenders, dealers can source funds for their own activities. Cash borrowers internalize the risk of losing their collateral in case their dealer defaults, prompting them to withdraw it. This incentive creates strategic complementarities for counterparties to withdraw their collateral, reducing a dealer's liquidity position and compromising her solvency. Collateral runs are markedly different than traditional wholesale funding runs because they are triggered by a contraction in dealers' assets, rather than their liabilities.
Accessible materials (.zip)

Keywords: Collateral, dealer, default, liquidity, rehypothecation, repo, runs

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17016/FEDS.2018.022

PDF: Full Paper

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Last Update: January 09, 2020