Banking Policy and Structure: A Comparative Analysis

This book provides—virtually for the first time—a comparative analysis of the several types of banking structure and the ways in which banks undertake their business. It surveys central banking arrangements in a number of countries, and is particularly relevant at a time when banking is becoming increasingly internationalised. Against an historical background, it describes banking systems ranging from the so-called 'unit banking' of the United States to the branch banking arrangements that derive from British experience, as well as of many of the systems in between. The business of banking is analysed comparatively within the framework of a simplified bank balance sheet, special attention being given to industrial banking and to assets and liabilities management. It explores how money markets function and, within this framework, how central banks operate and attempt to implement monetary and credit policy. The book includes the results of extensive new research, part of which involved interviewing many key figures throughout the banking industry. It covers all the maor countries in the non-communist world.