This report first analyzes what lies behind the historic segmentation of EU financial markets because a clear view about these issues is needed to predict the changes that EMU will bring about. The authors then examine the policy implications of these changes and propose measures to address the problems that may be encountered.
Amidst talk of establishing an EU-wide banking union, the recent changes in the regulatory framework and the rethinking of the future of European banking structure, the future of EU bank regulation is inextricably linked to banks' business models. Using a sample of over 70 banks, which overlaps with those subjected to the European Banking Authorities' 2011 stress tests, this report emphasizes the key regulatory gaps that emerge from a comprehensive analysis of the soundness and performance of bank business models. This analysis provides policy-makers with guidance to reinforce the evolving regulatory framework in European banking.
This volume examines the future of European financial centres in the context of economic and monetary union (EMU). Based on original empirical research, it investigates the relative competitiveness of European financial centres, with special reference to London and Frankfurt, in the context of the single currency debate. Issues covered include: * the evolution of financial centres * optimal design of an international financial centre * financial services regulation and EMU * the competitiveness of world financial centres
For over 2,000 years, banks have served to facilitate the exchange of money and to provide a variety of economic and financial services. During the most recent financial collapse and subsequent recession, beginning in 2008, banks have been vilified as perpetrators of the crisis, the public distrust compounded by massive public bailouts. Nevertheless, another form of banking has also emerged, with a focus on promoting economic sustainability, investing in community, providing opportunity for the disadvantaged, and supporting social, environmental, and ethical agendas. Social Banking and Social Finance traces the emergence of the “bank with a conscience” and proposes a new approach to banking in the wake of the economic crisis. Featuring innovations and initiatives in banking from Europe, Canada, and the United States, Roland Benedikter presents an alternative to traditional banking practices that are focused exclusively on profit maximization. He argues that social banking is not about changing the system, but about improving some of its core features by putting into use the "triple bottom line" principle of profit-people-planet. Important lessons can be learned by the success of social banks that may be useful for the greater task of improving the global financial system and avoiding economic crises in the future.
The SDN elaborates the case for, and the design of, a banking union for the euro area. It discusses the benefits and costs of a banking union, presents a steady state view of the banking union, elaborates difficult transition issues, and briefly discusses broader EU issues. As such, it assesses current plans and provides advice. It is accompanied by three background technical notes that analyze in depth the various elements of the banking union: a single supervisory framework; a single resolution and common safety net; and urgent issues related to repair of weak banks in Europe.
This handbook presents a timely collection of original studies on relevant themes, policies and developments in European banking. The contributors analyse how the crisis years have had a long lasting impact on the structure of European banking and explore the regulatory architecture that has started to take form in their wake. Academic experts and senior policy makers have contributed to this volume, which is organized in five main parts. The first part presents an overview of European banking through the crisis and beyond. The second part analyses performance and innovation in EU banking markets. The third part discusses the key regulatory changes aimed at fostering financial stability. Part four looks at the relevance of cross-border banking and part five presents a detailed analysis of the main EU banking markets. This is a highly informative and carefully presented handbook, which provides thought-provoking insights into the past, present and future landscapes of European banking. It will appeal to a wide readership, from scholars and students, through to researchers, practitioners and policy-makers.
Banking is back in the headlines. From desperate efforts by governments to address the Eurozone crisis to the "Occupy Wall Street" movement that is currently spreading across the globe, banks are again at centre stage. This new VoxEU.org book presents a collection of essays by leading European and US economists that provide solutions to the financial crisis and proposals for medium- to long-term reforms to the regulatory framework in which financial institutions operate. Key proposals include: -- European Safe Bonds (ESBies): Critical of Eurobonds, the authors propose an alternative solution in the form of "European Safe Bonds" (ESBies) -- securities funded by currently outstanding government debt (up to 60\% of GDP) that would constitute a large pool of "safe" assets. The authors argue that ESBies would address both liquidity and solvency problems within the European banking system and, most critically, help to distinguish between the two. -- Capital and liquidity requirements -- risk weights are crucial: While ringfencing might be part of a sensible regulatory reform, it is not sufficient. Capital requirements with risk weights that are dynamic, counter-cyclical and take into account co-dependence of financial institutions are critical, and one size does not necessarily fit all. Similarly, liquidity requirements have to be adjusted to make them less rigid and pro-cyclical. While banks are currently under-taxed, the currently discussed financial transaction tax would not significantly affect banks' risk-taking behaviour and might actually increase market volatility; in addition, its revenue potential could also be overestimated. -- The need for a stronger European-wide regulatory framework: If the common European market in banking is to be saved -- and the authors argue that it should be -- then the geographic perimeter of banks has to be matched with a similar geographic perimeter in regulation, which ultimately requires stronger European-level institutions.
For many observers, the European Union is mired in a deep crisis. Between sluggish growth; political turmoil following a decade of austerity politics; Brexit; and the rise of Asian influence, the EU is seen as a declining power on the world stage. Columbia Law professor Anu Bradford argues the opposite in her important new book The Brussels Effect: the EU remains an influential superpower that shapes the world in its image. By promulgating regulations that shape the international business environment, elevating standards worldwide, and leading to a notable Europeanization of many important aspects of global commerce, the EU has managed to shape policy in areas such as data privacy, consumer health and safety, environmental protection, antitrust, and online hate speech. And in contrast to how superpowers wield their global influence, the Brussels Effect - a phrase first coined by Bradford in 2012- absolves the EU from playing a direct role in imposing standards, as market forces alone are often sufficient as multinational companies voluntarily extend the EU rule to govern their global operations. The Brussels Effect shows how the EU has acquired such power, why multinational companies use EU standards as global standards, and why the EU's role as the world's regulator is likely to outlive its gradual economic decline, extending the EU's influence long into the future.
