What does systemic liquidity risk refer to?

Systemic liquidity risk specifically refers to the potential for a liquidity shortfall to not only affect individual institutions or markets but to have a widespread impact on the entire financial system. This type of risk can arise during times of financial instability, where liquidity—a crucial component that allows markets to function smoothly—becomes constrained across the board.

When systemic liquidity risk materializes, it can create a domino effect, where the inability of one institution to access liquid assets leads to a higher level of fear or uncertainty throughout the markets, leading to a broader liquidity crisis. This interconnectedness highlights why management of liquidity at both the institutional level and the systemic level is essential.

In contrast, risks associated with individual institutions or specific markets primarily concern localized issues that do not necessarily threaten the broader financial system. While currency devaluation represents a type of financial risk, it is not inherently linked to liquidity conditions and therefore falls outside the definition of systemic liquidity risk.