<![CDATA[This study leverages machine learning and advanced variable selection techniques to enhance the prediction of the Bank Financial Stability Index (Z-score) in emerging ASEAN markets. Utilizing a comprehensive secondary dataset comprising macroeconomic and bank-specific indicators from 61 commercial banks across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam (2010–2023), we systematically evaluate the predictive power of multiple machine learning models. A rigorous cross-validation framework is employed to optimize forecasting accuracy, integrating Linear Regression, Random Forest, K-Neighbors, Decision Tree, Gradient Boosting, AdaBoost, Support Vector Regression, and XGBoost with Lasso, Ridge, and Elastic Net regularization. Empirical results reveal that key drivers of financial stability include equity capital, financial leverage, return on equity, GDP growth, inflation, technological advancements, and systemic shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, the Ridge-optimized XGBRegressor model achieves the highest predictive accuracy (~89%), demonstrating the efficacy of hybrid machine learning approaches in financial stability forecasting. These findings offer crucial insights for policymakers and regulators, facilitating data-driven strategies to strengthen banking resilience and mitigate systemic risks in volatile economic environments. Jel Classifier: C45, C52, C55, G21, G32.]]>
Copyrights © 2025
