Bank Credit Growth and Trust: Does Institutional Quality Matter? Evidence from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations

This study investigated whether the quality of governance, trustworthiness, and confidence impacts bank credit growth. In addition, we examined credit growth cyclicality in 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. By employing data concerning 282 banks between 2012 and 2019, this study found that trustworthiness boosted bank credit growth. Overall, the increased quality of governance was found to increase credit growth, except for the specific indicators of voice and accountability and political stability, which were found not to influence bank credit growth. Moreover, similar to prior findings in related fields, the empirical results of this study confirmed the complementary effect of informal and formal institutions on bank credit growth. Lastly, results indicated that banks were pro-cyclical regarding credit growth. Overall, the results of this study highlighted the role of the supervisory powers of governments in boosting credit expansion, mainly during economic upturns.