Measuring Basel Credit Gap in Iran: Assessing Implications in Banking Supervision and Crises Prediction

Credit is the basis for financing and stimulating investments. However, excess credit can be the source of systemic risks and financial crises. In this paper, using Iran’s credit data from 2000 to 2019, the Basel credit gap was calculated as a recommended indicator for measuring excessive credit. We perceive that in the years in which the economy is suffering from currency overvaluation; for example, from 2005 to 2011, excess credit is noticeably visible. Moreover, in periods with a fair exchange rate, for instance, from 2000 to 2004, no excess credit was observed. Using capital buffers is an essential regulatory policy to reduce the risk of excess credit. So, the counter-cyclical capital buffer was calculated for all these periods. We also found that Basel’s credit gap has good power in predicting exchange crises in Iran. It seems that the root cause of excessive credit and foreign currency jumps should be sought in the exchange rate-based stabilization plan in Iran (exchange rate anchor). Nonetheless, policymakers can reduce the probability and severity of crises by strengthening the bank credit sector’s regulatory systems and using the proposed buffers.