Grey zones in global finance: The distorted geography of cross-border investments

B-Tier
Journal: Journal of International Money and Finance
Year: 2022
Volume: 120
Issue: C

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Complex cross-border financial structures inflate measured international investment stocks in tax havens. Using a standard gravity framework, we estimate that about 40% of global assets (FDI, portfolio equity and debt) are ‘abnormal’ – unexplained – and operated through tax havens. Abnormal stocks are increasing over time and concentrated in a limited number of jurisdictions. Six jurisdictions including three European countries are the largest contributors: Cayman, Bermuda, Luxembourg, Hong Kong, Ireland and the Netherlands. Interestingly, the Luxleaks in 2014 do not appear to have diverted cross-border investments away.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:jimfin:v:120:y:2022:i:c:s0261560621001911
Journal Field
International
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-24