Basel III and prudent risk management in banking: Continuing the cycle of fixing past crises

Abstract

Financial crises have had a significant impact on bank regulation and supervision. Reforms are often focussed on correcting past failings. Following the 2007 financial crisis, Basel III reforms have been introduced with a view to promote a more resilient banking sector and to improve the banking sector’s ability to absorb shocks arising from financial distress. A review of the Basel III reforms and the literature on the link between capital adequacy regulations and bank stability indicates that these regulations are unlikely to prevent the failure of banks resulting in systemic crises.