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Document Type

Case Study

Case Series

Credit Guarantee Programs

JEL Codes

G01, G28

Abstract

In October 2008, euro-area countries adopted a joint framework to guide national policies combatting the effects of the global financial crisis. In Austria, this led to the enactment of a number of measures and amendments, including the Interbank Market Support Act (Interbankmarktstärkungsgesetz, or IBSG). IBSG called for the establishment of a new clearing bank to facilitate interbank lending. It also permitted the Minister of Finance to guarantee up to €5 billion of short-term securities issued by the clearing bank and to absorb losses of the clearing bank up to €4 billion. The clearing bank, Oesterreichische Clearingbank AG (OeCAG), was owned and capitalized by Austrian banks and was open to participation from all credit institutions and insurance companies. Through regular auctions, OeCAG matched available funds to demands for credit for fixed terms. Over the lifespan of the bank, 310 auctions were conducted in euros and dollars, allotting €22.5 billion and $1.5 billion respectively. After being extended by one year, the guarantee scheme authorized by IBSG expired on December 31, 2010, and OeCAG closed shortly thereafter. None of the government guarantees were triggered.

Date Revised

2020-10-08

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