European Banking : Efficiency, Technology and Growth

european banking : efficiency, technology and growth

more information about European Banking : Efficiency, Technology and Growth

European Banking : Efficiency, Technology and Growth

Editorial Reviews
Book Description
The retail banking sector has undergone immense change over the last decade, such that the industry is barely recognisable. The creation of the European Single Market has of necessity initiated deregulation, whilst the increase in telephone and internet banking has impacted on economies of scale. Financial services organisations are now able to compete in previously uncharted territory, to considerable effect.
Taking the reader on a journey of discovery through the economic theory behind the practice and the consequences that follow, the authors have created a fascinating insight into the current state of European retail banking. The authors use their extensive research to display the rationale behind the increasing trend towards consolidation and efficiency.
Well argued and well researched, this is a must read for all people with an interest in the European Banking market, from investors to bankers and students alike.

From the Inside Flap
Does size matter? The recent wave of mergers and takeovers in the banking industry suggests that it certainly does. Current thinking is that the smaller will fall, whilst the large will increasingly dominate the market.
This book examines the reasons behind the changes, beginning by looking at classical economic theories on competition and the firm, and their applications to financial services. The authors proceed to describe how the structure of the market has changed in Europe, as well as the effects of the many changes in both banking and the financial services sector as a whole. The earlier chapters detail classic economic theory and its relevance to the banking sector. Using both theoretical and empirical methods of analysis, many arguments and debates concerning the structure, growth and future development of the banking sector are reviewed and evaluated. In particular this book focuses on the performance of the banking sector over the past decade and considers whether economies of scale do indeed improve competitiveness.
The authors' knowledge of the subject enables them to explain the theories and the empirical results in a clear, accessible style. The book is divided into nine chapters: