IMF Working Paper-Determinants of Zombie Banks in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies

February 23, 2024-Summary:
While deeply undercapitalized banks have been shown to misallocate credit to weak firms, the drivers of such zombie banks are less researched, particularly across countries. To furnish empirical evidence, we compile a dataset of undercapitalized banks from emerging markets and developing economies.

We classify zombie banks as those not receiving remedial treatment by owners or regulators or, alternatively, remaining chronically undercapitalized. Using logit regressions, we find that country-specific factors are more influential for zombie status than bank characteristics, alhough some become significant when disaggreating by region. The paper's overall findings imply the need for a proper regulatory framework and an effective resolution regime to deal with zombie banks more decisively.

view more


Bitnomial Joins ISG, Opening Door to More Crypto Spot ETFs

October 29, 2025-Issued on behalf of GoldHaven Resources Corp.
Prices have surged over 25% since early 2025[1], with the precious metal holding near the $4,000 per ounce level as investors pile into safe-haven assets amid ongoing inflation and economic uncertainty.

view more

Commodity Prices to Hit Six-Year Low in 2026 as Oil Glut Expands

October 29, 2025-Global commodity prices are projected to fall to their lowest level in six years in 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year of decline, according to the World Bank Group's latest Commodity Markets Outlook.
Inflationary Pressures Ease, But Geopolitical Tensions Cloud Outlook

view more