Financing Infrastructure in the Shadow of Expropriation

Review of Financial Studies, 2025

Working Paper No. 00209-00

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We examine the optimal financing of infrastructure when governments can expropriate rents from private sector firms that manage infrastructure. While private firms need incentives to implement projects well, governments need incentives to limit expropriation. This double moral hazard limits the willingness of outside investors to fund infrastructure projects. Optimal financing contracts involve government guarantees to investors against project failure to incentivize the government to agree not to expropriate which improves private sector incentives and project quality. The contract also reflects several other features prevalent in infrastructure financing in practice such as government co-investment, tax subsidies, and development rights.