Bankruptcy reforms and corporate debt structure

Abstract

A growing number of jurisdictions have adopted bankruptcy law reforms to facilitate debt restructuring. Using a difference-in-differences model based on bankruptcy law reforms in six economically advanced jurisdictions, we discover that firms adopt more diversified debt instruments following the reforms. Importantly, firms that are more vulnerable to a tightening of credit supply are more adversely affected by the legal changes, and they also decrease overall debt borrowing and investment. Moreover, firms affected by the reforms use secured debt less frequently, aligning with the idea that these legal changes diminish the protection afforded to secured creditors. In addition, borrowing costs rise after the reforms, implying that creditors may adjust the terms of debt contracts to counterbalance the decreased legal protection.