How using derivatives affects bank stability in emerging countries? Evidence from the recent financial crisis

Based on banks exclusively from emerging countries over the whole period 2003-2011, this paper aims to investigate whether the use of derivative instruments are responsible in the amplification of the recent and global financial crisis. To do that, we measure the effect of derivatives use on stability of banks from emerging countries during normal period “the pre-crisis period”, 2003-2006, and turbulent period “the crisis and post-crisis period”, 2007-2011. We use the Generalized Methods of Moments (GMM) estimator technique developed by Blundell and Bond to estimate our regressions.The main findings show that contrarily to forwards and swaps - which are not disruptive factors - futures and especially options, weaken the stability of banks from emerging countries. The major conclusion is that only options and futures can be considered as risky derivatives and partly responsible in the intensification of the last financial crisis.