European Banking Efficiency, Technology and Growth

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.

<B>JOHN A. GODDARD</B> 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. <BR> <B>PHILIP MOLYNEUX</B> 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 <I>Financial Innovation</I> and <I>Efficiency in European Banking</I> (both published by John Wiley Sons, Ltd). <BR> <B>JOHN O.S. WILSON</B> 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 <I>Essentials of Industrial Organization</I> (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. <P>