Understanding Dollarization

Book excerpt: A very commonly observed phenomenon in developing and emerging market economies is the use of another country’s currency (whether the US dollar or another currency) in lieu or in addition to the local currency. The most common type of this financial phenomenon is partial (de facto) dollarization where foreign currencies are used side by side with local currency for saving and borrowing purposes in addition to serving as medium of exchange. Governments in these countries have been encouraging dollarization for years by allowing their citizens to save and borrow from local banks in foreign currency. Yet the existence of multiple currencies on banks' balance sheets on both the asset and liability side poses risks to the health and stability of the banking system. This book evaluates the practical aspects of partial dollarization in countries such as Turkey, South Korea, Peru, and Cambodia among others. Starting with the origins of the phenomenon, the impact on banking systems and financial depth of the credit markets are discussed along with risks to the banking systems. Challenges faced by Central Banks and banking regulators are evaluated using recent country studies.