Bank Intermediation in Southeastern Europe: Depth and Structure

This short study examines similarities and differences in the depth and structure of bank intermediation in Southeastern European (SEE) countries. In the process, we also analyze to what extent the patterns of bank intermediation in SEE countries are already similar to those observed in the new EU Member States of Central and Eastern Europe. Overall, it turns out that the depth, structure and quality of bank intermediation has advanced considerably in all SEE countries. At the same time, the development in the individual SEE countries is far from uniform. In some countries, bank intermediation is already similar to, or approaching the levels observed in, the new Member States, while in others, it is at an earlier stage, notwithstanding major progress in recent years.