What is the role of legal systems in financial intermediation? Theory and evidence

Laura Bottazzi, Marco Da Rin and Thomas Hellmann

Journal of Financial Intermediation, 2009, vol. 18, issue 4, 559-598

Abstract: We develop a theory' and empirical test of how the legal system affects the relationship between venture capitalists and entrepreneurs. The theory uses a double moral hazard framework to show how optimal contracts and investor actions depend on the quality of the legal system. The empirical evidence is based on a sample of European venture capital deals. The main results are that with better legal protection, investors give more non-contractible support and demand more downside protection. These predictions are supported by the empirical analysis. Using a new empirical approach of comparing two sets of fixed-effect regressions, we also find that the investor's legal system is more important than that of the company in determining investor behavior.

Date: 2009
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Related works:
Working Paper: What is the role of legal systems in financial intermediation? Theory and evidence (2009)
Working Paper: What is the Role of Legal Systems in Financial Intermediation? Theory and Evidence (2008)
Working Paper: What is the Role of Legal Systems in Financial Intermediation? Theory and Evidence (2008)
Working Paper: What is the Role of Legal Systems in Financial Intermediation? Theory and Evidence (2007)
Working Paper: What Role of Legal Systems in Financial Intermediation? Theory and Evidence (2005)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jfinin:v:18:y:2009:i:4:p:559-598

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