We investigate the impact of cross-border takeovers on the performance of target banks in Ukraine. We combine propensity score matching and a difference-in-difference methodology, checking for temporary unobservables. Acquirers mainly targeted large less-capitalised banks with average efficiency...

This paper documents the recent performance of European electronic purses. It presents data on 16 such schemes, and compares their penetration and usage rates. These rates are shown to differ substantially. A number of schemes are doing increasingly well and in all probability are here to stay....

Menzies (2004) uses a ‘cohorts approach’ to model banknote printing costs. This paper proposes a ‘generational approach’ that allows for more realistic assumptions concerning currency growth and note replacement. The paper shows that Menzies' claim that the case for polymer banknotes...

A number of recent articles argue that the "problem of Bachet"--the problem of finding the most efficient set of standard weights--can shed light on the problem of finding the optimal denominations of coins and bank notes. The present note opposes this view and shows that the two problems are...

This article analyses the competition between cash and payment cards against the backdrop of the dual role of central banks - as issuers of cash and as institutions with a mandate to foster the efficiency of payment systems in general. It is argued that this dual role results in a number of...

We are witnessing a shake-out in the European electronic purse market. Several cards that have been in the market for years have or are about to disappear. On the other hand, there are a number of schemes that are doing reasonably well, particularly in the Benelux. This article looks at the...

Abstract In recent years, regulators in various parts of the world have capped interchange fees on debit and credit cards. The justification for the caps rests to a large extent on the argument that these cards have, for certain merchants, become must-take cards rather than “wanna-take...