IMPLICATIONS OF LOW INTEREST RATES ON BANK PROFITABILITY AND RISK-TAKING

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of low interest rates on bank profitability and risk-taking. A comprehensive depiction of the current state of research was developed based on systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis. A low interest rate environment, as present in many economies, has various implications on bank profitability and risk-taking. A positive relationship is found between interest rates and net interest income, while the relationship with non-interest income is negative. Also, banks increase risk-taking in search for yield. The influence on bank profitability is highly dependent on several factors, but in most papers a negative influence is found. Throughout the world banks have managed to limit the impact through mitigation strategies, such as diversification, which are presented as guidance.