This text focuses on the international banking revolution of the 1960s and provides a fresh historical perspective on the foundations of the subsequent financial globalization. The contributors address four main issues: the revival of London as a world financial centre; the emergence of Euro-banking as a new frontier of growth for credit institutions; the competitive challenge brought home by American banks to their European counterparts; and the strategic response by British and Continental banks.

Analyses the emergence, growth and performance from the 1830s to the present

Reinhard H. Schmidt The impressive development of the finance literature with its emphasis on asset pricing and the formal modeling of incentive systems during the past three decades, has largely relegated the business and operational aspects of banking as an industry from the agenda of academic research. Though this is understandable, it is especially regrettable in view of the dynamic dev- opments in the banking industry which have started about a decade ago and are currently in full swing. Fortunately, there are now signs of a change to the effect that banking is back on the research agenda. The p- sent book by Professor De Laurentis and his co-authors is a highly inno- tive and interesting manifestation of this reorientation. Banking is an important part of any financial system, and it is especially important in the financial systems of the countries of Continental Europe, such as Italy, France, and Germany, which have been bank-based for d- ades and which are, in my view, likely to remain bank-based for the fo- seeable future. There are many reasons, based on empirical and theoretical considerations, to believe that strong banks are not only important for the banking industry itself, but also for the respective national economies.

Banks' business is increasingly international and an élite group of global banks is emerging. This book outlines the influences on the evolution of international banking and analyses trade and investment in the international banking industry, covering cross-border trade in banking services, foreign direct investment by banks, international financial centres, capital movements, and competition between banks. Focusing on competitive advantage, it compares the leading banks' international business. This book is of interest to academics and students as well as to bankers. It provides a transversal and truly comprehensive overview of the international banking industry, focusing on the organization of the industry and the influences on it, rather than on the functions of banks themselves.