金融危机新火种：98万亿美元隐性债务

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant growth of "hidden debt" through foreign exchange swaps, which is not reflected on balance sheets and poses potential liquidity risks in the financial system, particularly as the global amount is projected to reach $98 trillion by the end of 2024 [1][2][3]. Group 1: Hidden Debt Overview - Hidden debt primarily refers to the dollars raised through financial derivatives known as "foreign exchange swaps," which involve exchanging domestic currency for dollars and require repayment in dollars after a set period, typically less than one year [1][2]. - The International Bank for Settlements (BIS) has raised alarms about the excessive expansion of hidden dollar debt, which has grown from $41 trillion at the end of 2008 to $91 trillion by the end of 2023, and is expected to reach $98 trillion by the end of 2024 [1][2]. Group 2: Risks and Regulatory Concerns - The lack of transparency and insufficient regulation surrounding non-bank institutions, which are the largest users of foreign exchange swaps, presents a significant vulnerability for financial regulators [2][3]. - In the event of a financial shock, institutions may face increased costs to secure dollars or may need to liquidate dollar assets, potentially worsening their financial conditions [3]. Group 3: Specific Institutional Challenges - Japan's three major banks—Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, and Mizuho Financial Group—are facing challenges in stabilizing dollar funding, with their foreign currency deposits not fully covering foreign currency loans as of March 2025 [3]. - The funding gaps for these banks are significant, with Mitsubishi UFJ raising $82 billion, Sumitomo Mitsui $146 billion, and Mizuho $93.7 billion, indicating a risk of dollar shortages during financial stress [3]. Group 4: Global Economic Factors - The uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's willingness to supply dollars during a global financial crisis raises concerns, especially given the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that could exacerbate economic conditions [4][5].