Edward Elgar Publishing Financial Intermediation in the New Europe: Banks, Markets and Regulation in EU Accession Countries

What role will the current evolution of banking systems play in the newly adopted EU countries during the historic challenges following enlargement? This book, a blend of economics and political economy, offers a systematic analysis of the current trends in financial intermediation in the countries of the newly enlarged Europe, with particular focus on those policies taken by foreign banks on the one hand, and by regulatory and supervisory authorities on the other. The authors argue that their research has led to one conclusion; in order to enter the EU, the accession countries needed to increase the efficiency of their economic systems rapidly through liberalization and privatization. The book assesses whether the presence of foreign banks will contribute to long term economic growth and financial stability, and how the architecture of banking regulations and supervision should be designed. As a multidisciplinary work, though principally economics, the book will appeal to scholars and academics of politics and law. It also has particular relevance for regulators and supervisory institutions, as well as professionals including bankers, financial operators and also legal compliance officers. Review '. . . the collection deserves to be read by anyone with an interest in the role of the commercial banks in the financial landscape of that region. Professor Masciandaro is to be congratulated in bringing together such an informative and significant collection of essays.' -- Eva Lomnicka, Journal of Financial Regulation and Compliance'This is a timely and well thought out study of the European banking contest being played out in the countries of "new Europe" against the backdrop of globalisation.'– Andrew W. Mullineux, Bournemouth University, UK About the Author Edited by Donato Masciandaro, Full Professor of Economics and Chair in Economics of Financial Regulation, Bocconi University, Italy