Kreditvilja

Kreditvilja is a term used in economics and finance to describe the willingness of lenders, particularly banks, to extend new credit to borrowers. It represents the supply side of the credit market and is distinct from kreditbehov or kreditefterfrågan, which refers to borrowers’ demand for credit. Kreditvilja captures how easily banks are prepared to approve loans and offer favorable terms, given prevailing risk, profitability, and capital conditions.

The level of kreditvilja is influenced by several factors. Profitability expectations and risk appetite determine how attractive lending is for banks. Capital adequacy and liquidity positions constrain or enable new lending, as do regulatory and macroprudential rules. Funding costs, competition among lenders, and borrower characteristics such as creditworthiness, collateral, and underwriting standards also play a role. Macroeconomic conditions and monetary policy expectations affect banks’ risk assessments and the perceived profitability of lending.

Measurement of kreditvilja often relies on bank lending surveys, which ask institutions about changes in lending standards, approval rates, and willingness to lend. Other indicators include growth in loans to households and firms, terms and conditions for new credit, and credit spreads. The concept helps explain why credit can tighten or loosen during different phases of the business cycle even when demand remains stable.

In policy and macroeconomic analysis, kreditvilja interacts with monetary policy and financial stability considerations. A decline in kreditvilja can slow investment and consumption despite loose policy, while an increase in lending willingness can amplify expansion. Central banks may influence kreditvilja through rate adjustments, targeted lending programs, and macroprudential measures.