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Title: Endogenous Intermediation in Over-the-Counter Markets

Author(s): Ana Babus and Tai-Wei Hu

Publication Date: July 2015

Keyword(s): dynamic network formation, over-the-counter trading and strategic default

Programme Area(s): Financial Economics

Abstract: We provide a theory of trading through intermediaries in OTC markets. The role of intermediaries is to sustain unsecured trade. When agents trade without collateral, total surplus can increase. In our model, traders are connected through a network. Agents observe their neighbors' actions, and can trade with their counterparty in a given period through a path of intermediaries in the network. If trade is unsecured, agents can renege on their obligations. We show that trading through a network is essential to support unsecured trade, when agents infrequently meet the same counterparty in the market. However, intermediaries must receive fees to have the incentive to implement unsecured trades. While trade without collateral can be sustained in many networks, the efficiency gains are higher in a star network. The center agent in a star can receive higher fees as well. Moreover, concentrated intermediation is a stable structure, when agents incur linking costs.

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Bibliographic Reference

Babus, A and Hu, T. 2015. 'Endogenous Intermediation in Over-the-Counter Markets'. London, Centre for Economic Policy Research. https://cepr.org/active/publications/discussion_papers/dp.php?dpno=10708