European Banking: Efficiency, Technology And Growth

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.

Review:
'provides a real insight...explained in a clear and readily-comprehensible style' (IFS News, June 2001)

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements. List of Tables. List of Figures. Introduction. Current Developments in European Banking. The Economics of Industry Structure. Market Structure and the Growth and Performance of Banks. Efficiency in European Banking. Technological Change in European Banking. The Law of Proportionate Effect: Previous Empirical Research. Stochastic Models of the Growth of Banks. Empirical Tests of the Law of Proportionate Effect for European Banking. References. Index.

Author Biography:
JOHN A. GODDARD is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Economics, University of Wales Swansea. Prior to this he lectured at the University of Wales, Bangor, and was a researcher at the University of Leeds. He is the author of many articles in academic journals on topics including industrial economics and the economics of the professional football industry. John Goddard also has several years practitioner experience in the UK life insurance sector. PHILIP MOLYNEUX is Professor of Banking at the School of Accounting, Banking and Economics (SABE) at the University of Wales, Bangor and the Levob Special Chair of Financial Services and Financial Conglomerates at Erasmus University, Rotterdam, Netherlands. He is also co-director of the Institute of European Finance and a highly respected authority on European finance and banking. His many previous works include Financial Innovation and Efficiency in European Banking (both published by John Wiley Sons, Ltd). JOHN O.S. WILSON is a lecturer in the Department of Management at the University of St. Andrews, specialising in industrial organisation, banking and managerial economics. Prior to this he lectured in economics at London Guildhall University, and has also been a visiting lecturer at the University of Wales, Bangor. He has co-authored Essentials of Industrial Organization (Financial Times, Prentice Hall) and has also has written many papers on subjects ranging from the growth of European banks, to attendance patterns in the English Rugby Football League.