AsPac should rein in rapid credit growth – Fitch

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MANILA — A debt watcher in a report that Asia-Pacific policymakers should focus rapid growth in credit and ensuring that no asset bubbles will arise in the financial system.

“Fitch Ratings believes that controlling the pace of growth and the potential bubbles-often property-associated with rapid growth is more important than focusing solely on the absolute credit-to-GDP levels,” Fitch Ratings said in a report.

“Banks in the Asia-Pacific face slowing credit growth and tighter loan monitoring as the credit cycle turns.”

It also added that property prices should be monitored closely so that fall in household assets will be minimized.

“Various supervisors have been providing guidance on lending criteria and growth rates, while the South Korean authorities made it easier for borrowers to declare bankruptcy – leading to higher losses, in particular for foreign banks,” it said.

Highlighting spillovers from China’s economic stimulus, the report also noted that “credit costs will rise as loan books season and economies slow.”

“Consequently, macroeconomic stability will be key to keep losses in check,” Fitch said.