Tech-Driven Intermediation in the Originate-to-Distribute Model

Jul 30, 2025

Zhiguo He , Sheila Jiang , Douglas Xu

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This paper develops a general equilibrium model to examine the role of information technology when intermediaries facilitate the origination and distribution of assets given information asymmetry. Information technology measures the informativeness of asset-quality signals received by intermediaries, who purchase assets produced by originators and then resell them to uninformed investors. Allowing intermediaries to operate has a mixed social welfare effect: Uninformed intermediation can be welfare reducing when adverse selection is severe in the economy, while informed intermediation always improves social welfare.

Zhiguo He

Zhiguo He

Stanford University

Sheila Jiang

Sheila Jiang

Douglas Xu

Douglas Xu