Description
Book SynopsisThis book presents the results of several years of research on competition, concentration, efficiency and performance in the European banking market. The author seeks to explain and interrelate the numerous characteristics of the banking industry, and provide a detailed comparative analysis of various banking sectors throughout Europe.
The book begins with a survey on intermediation, integration and internationalisation in the European banking market, which helps to explain the increased competitive pressures banks are now operating under. The author then examines indicators of concentration and competition, and attempts to measure these using a variety of approaches in both EU and non-EU countries. Significantly, he also presents a unique comparison of efficiency throughout the EU by estimating X-inefficiency and cost level differences. The book concludes with an investigation into cyclical patterns of profits, provisions and lending in order to assess the procyclicality of bank behaviour in light of the new Basel Capital Accord.
Academics and policymakers interested in banking supervision, financial stability and monetary policy will welcome this thorough analysis of competition and efficiency in the European banking industry. The book will also prove invaluable reading for banking analysts and strategists in central banks, regulatory bodies and competition authorities.
Trade Review'I think this is a very fine piece of work, featuring high quality material, which will be accessible to technical and non-technical economists alike. It is likely to become the standard work in the field and will act as a benchmark for future comparative analyses of EU banking sectors. The advanced treatment of many of the key aspects of applied econometrics of banking, combined with excellent timely data, will ensure a broad appeal amongst academics, banking analysts, and policymakers in bank-regulatory bodies, competition authorities and central banks.' -- E. Philip Davis, Brunel University, UK
Table of ContentsContents: Preface 1. Introduction to Market Structure, Competition and Efficiency 2. Intermediation, Integration and Internationalization 3. Measures of Competition and Concentration in the Banking Industry 4. Competition and Concentration in the Banking Industry and their Relationship 5. Competition on EU Deposit and Loan Markets 6. Efficiency and Cost Differences Across Countries 7. Cyclical Patterns in Profits, Provisioning and Lending of Banks 8. Structural Changes in the EU Banking Industry and Policy Recommendations References Index
