Interest Rate Caps Around the World: Still Popular, But a Blunt Instrument

39 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2016

Date Written: October 1, 2014

Abstract

Among other common forms of government financial control, caps on interest rates have been declining over the past several decades as most industrialized countries and a rising number of developing countries continue liberalizing their financial policies. However, in several countries the last financial crisis reopened the debate on interest rate controls as a tool for consumer protection. This paper undertakes a stock-taking exercise to determine the number of countries currently capping interest rates on loans. The paper looks at the main characteristics of the regimes countries have used, including the source of rate-setting authority, the methodology, and the criteria for establishing the cap. The paper finds at least 76 countries around the world currently use some form of interest rate caps on loans -- all with varying degrees of effects, including the withdrawal of financial institutions from the poor or from specific segments of the market, an increase in the total cost of the loan through additional fees and commissions, among others. The paper concludes that there are more effective ways of reducing interest rates on loans over the long run and of improving access to finance: measures that enhance competition and product innovation, improve financial consumer protection frameworks, increase financial literacy, promote credit bureaus, enforce disclosure of interest rates, and promote microcredit products. Such measures shouldbe implemented in an integrated manner. However, if caps are still considered a useful policy tool for reducing interest rates on loans and increasing access to finance, they should be implemented in accord with the caveats described in the paper.

Keywords: Economic Theory & Research, Consumption, Fiscal & Monetary Policy, Economic Growth, Industrial Economics

Suggested Citation

Maimbo, Samuel Munzele and Henriquez Gallegos, Claudia Alejandra, Interest Rate Caps Around the World: Still Popular, But a Blunt Instrument (October 1, 2014). World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 7070, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2513126

Samuel Munzele Maimbo (Contact Author)

WORLD BANK GROUP ( email )

1818 H Street
Washington, DC D.C 20433
United States

University of Manchester ( email )

Manchester
Manchester
United Kingdom

Claudia Alejandra Henriquez Gallegos

World Bank

1818 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20433
United States

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