Redes e polarização urbana e financeira: uma exploração inical para o Brasil

This paper aims, in an exploratory way, to discuss the regional network of financial services in Brazil and its role in the configuration of the Brazilian urban network and its hierarchy. To achieve this objective, the paper, based on the seminal works of both CHRISTALLER (1966) and LÖSCH (1944/54), tries to understand how the process of spatial urban configuration works. Based on this framework it is possible to focus on the financial system, especially on the factors that determine the locational decision of financial institutions, aiming the building of a polarization system of the financial activities. The paper will adopt a adapted gravitation model to analyze the power of attraction of different financial centers based on diverse variables (credit, total assets, functional and structural diversification).