Banks in conditions of steadily growing risks: the need for "long" money

The article examines the problem of providing the banking system with “long-term money” under conditions of increasing macroeconomic uncertainty, rising risks, and high interest rate volatility. The study analyzes the impact of macroeconomic instability and interest rate risks on the transformation of bank balance sheets and highlights the role of the interest rate gap in ensuring banks’ profitability and financial sustainability. Particular attention is paid to structural changes in banks’ assets and liabilities, including the growing share of instruments with floating interest rates as a response to heightened interest rate risk. The advantages and disadvantages of using long-term funding sources are assessed, with emphasis on their cost, impact on net interest margin, and liquidity risk. The paper also explores existing and potential sources of long-term financing, such as pension savings, life insurance, government long-term savings programs, infrastructure bonds, and alternative capital markets, including those in friendly jurisdictions. The conclusions identify key trends in banking sector development and underline the importance of state support and improved interest rate risk management mechanisms to maintain financial stability in the long term.