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Perspectives of macrofinance regulation of banking consolidations in the context of the international reform of banking regulation
This article looks into the conceptual framework of regulation of the M&A processes that involve banks. Banking M&A still pose a serious threat to the post-crisis recovery and at the same time they remain one of the factors that can easily exacerbate systemic risks, which is also attributable to poor post-M&A synergy. Inconsistency in the M&A deal-making may aggravate post-M&A integration thus causing value deficiency, which may further trigger the contagion effect throughout the financial system and beyond. Despite the rigor paradigm of Basel III underlying contemporary banking regulation and irrespective of the increasing interconnectedness of financial institutions, M&A in the banking industry still lacks the regulatory touch.
It is doubtful that vulnerability of banking M&A to systemic risks could be solely mitigated by means of existent micro- and macroprudential regulation, since it is much about banking performance and not banking processes including the consolidation process. In fact, prudential regulation is currently devoid of multidisciplinary approach and it does not adequately meet the objectives of risk minimization in banking consolidations. Therefore, it can not appear as an unbiased and accurate measure of M&A integrity.
Guided by criticality of banking M&A regulation we propose a conceptual framework of M&A prudential regulation, or “mergulation” (“merger” + “regulation”), based on risk quantification and/or risk matrix approach together with an M&A-related rulebook. “Mergulation” will further shape mechanism of systemic risk alarmism, while standing integrated with prudential banking regulation. “Mergulation” will also aim at consistency of banking consolidations so that they would not only contribute to financial stability but also become its risk regulation platform.