Chapter 12: Q.4 (page 343)
Define “financial frictions” in your own terms and explain why an increase in financial frictions is a key element in financial crises.
Short Answer
When the financial fraction increases, the lender finds it difficult to assess the creditworthiness of the borrowers. They would increase the interest rates with anticipation that the borrower might not pay back the loan resulting in a higher credit spread. Thus, financial fraction gradually leads to the financial crisis.