" Large credit guarantees also impede optimal allocation of financial resources and increase moral hazard. "
- Urjit Patel

The quote suggests that when financial institutions provide large credit guarantees, it can lead to inefficient distribution of money across different sectors and increase the likelihood of risky behavior from borrowers or lenders due to reduced personal risk. Essentially, such guarantees create an environment where individuals or organizations might act less cautiously because they believe others will cover their losses if things go wrong.

Exploring further, these large credit guarantees can distort market signals by making borrowing too easy for some entities while potentially starving smaller but equally deserving businesses of necessary funds. This imbalance can stifle innovation and competition within the financial sector, as resources are not allocated based on merit or potential returns but rather on who has access to the most extensive guarantee support. Moreover, it fosters a culture where participants in financial transactions take greater risks because they do not bear the full consequences of their actions, leading to systemic vulnerabilities that could jeopardize economic stability.

Urjit Patel is an esteemed economist and former governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). His expertise spans macroeconomics, monetary policy, and financial regulation. As a central banker, he played a significant role in shaping India's financial policies during his tenure at RBI from 2016 to 2019. Patel’s insights often focus on promoting economic stability through prudent regulatory measures while balancing the need for growth and development.