This paper investigates the effect of low interest rates on bank profitability and risk-taking. A comprehensive depiction of the current state of research was developed based on systematic literature review and qualitative content analysis. A low interest rate environment, as present in many economies, has various implications on bank profitability and risk-taking. A positive relationship is found between interest rates and net interest income, while the relationship with non-interest income is negative. Also, banks increase risk-taking in search for yield. The influence on bank profitability is highly dependent on several factors, but in most papers a negative influence is found. Throughout the world banks have managed to limit the impact through mitigation strategies, such as diversification, which are presented as guidance.
Negative Interest Rates, Bank Profitability and Risk-taking
