Examines the traditional function of commercial banks as financial intermediaries between deficit and surplus sectors. Fundamental to this function has been the assumption that banks can intermediate at lower costs than those prevailing with direct financing arrangements, but developments in...

Deregulation and the emergence of new forms of technology have created highly competitive market conditions which have had a critical impact upon consumer behaviour. Bank providers must, therefore, attempt to better understand their customers in an attempt not only to anticipate but also to...

This paper seeks to develop our understanding of consumer attitudes towards bank delivery channels. Accordingly, a questionnaire was designed to obtain information about which delivery channels consumers had used when acquiring four types of financial service. This information was then...

The various opportunities and strategies afforded to commercial banks by the advent of the Single Market in 1992 are identified and assessed. Proposed European financial legislation is outlined and the implications for commercial banks are examined. Particular emphasis is focused on the...

London Clearing Banks (LCBs) are currently endeavouring to improve their overall branch delivery system by adopting strategies which promote branches as marketing centres. This approach is necessary because of the substantial inherent disadvantages associated with the branch network. Branches...

Reports on empirical survey of six major players in the house mortgage market and determines elements of customer service that are indicative of both good and bad practice. Compares and contrasts the customer service of the financial institutions comprising the sample. Concludes by identifying a...

Suggests that the competitive threat faced by banks and building societies from direct banking and other technology‐driven distribution channels has serious implications for the future viability of their comprehensive branch networks. Costs associated with any significant reduction in branch...

The success of the syndicated loans market over the past 15 years has been unmitigated due largely to its flexibility in raising large amounts of credit at very short notice for a wide range of borrowers. This flexibility is based on close personal contacts between major participating banks, and...