Understanding Systemic Risk Dynamics and Economic Growth: Evidence from the Turkish Banking System

Abstract

The banking crisis experienced at the beginning of 2023 in the aftermath of the global 2008 crisis served as a stark reminder of the importance of systemic risk once again across the world. This study examines the dynamics of systemic risk in the Turkish banking system and its impact on sustainable economic growth between the period of 2007 and 2022. Through the Component Expected Shortfall (CES) method and quantile spillover analysis, private banks, such as Garanti Bank (GARAN), Akbank (AKBNK), İş Bank (ISCTR), and Yapı ve Kredi Bank (YKBNK), are identified as major sources of systemic risk. The analysis reveals a high level of interconnectedness among the banks during market downturns, with TSKB, Vakıfbank (VAKBNK), İş Bank (ISCTR), Halk Bank (HALKB), Akbank (AKBNK), Yapı ve Kredi Bank (YKBNK), and Garanti Bank (GARAN) serving as net risk transmitters, while QNB Finansbank (QNBFB), ICBC Turkey Bank (ICBCT), Şekerbank (SKBNK), GSD Holding (GSD), and Albaraka Türk (ALBRK) act as net risk receivers. Employing the Markov switching VAR (MS-VAR) model, the study finds that increased systemic risk significantly reduces economic growth during heightened financial periods. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring systemic risks and implementing proactive measures in the banking sector. The policy implications highlight the requirement for regulators and policymakers to prioritize systemic risk management. Close monitoring helps detect weaknesses and imbalances that could put financial stability at risk. Timely implementation of policies and rules is crucial in the prevention of the accumulation of systemic risks and in dealing with the existing hazards. Such measures protect the stability of the banking sector and mitigate potential negative effects on the broader economy.