This study investigates the main determinants of Italian banks' cost efficiency over the period 1993-1996, by employing a Fourier-flexible stochastic cost frontier in order to measure X-efficiencies and economies of scale. Quality and riskiness of bank outputs are explicitly accounted for in the...

This paper examines the main structural and performance features of European banking. It demonstrates that while banking markets have become increasingly concentrated and bank numbers have fallen, competition appears to have intensified. Given the large number of banks and branches in many...

This paper models the diffusion pattern of financial innovations. Our model distinguishes between two factors, internal and external influence, that determine banks' decision to adopt an innovation. Internal influence refers to competitive, strategic, and informational factors that are related...

The completion of the European Single Market Programme (SMP) and the launch of 'Euroland' are bold statements on the European Union and its future. Within this economic process, the particular importance of the banking and financial services sectors is widely emphasized. This collection explores...

This book explores the status quo of corporate governance in banking and investor protection from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Bringing together original conclusions with a regional and international focus, it provides a timely and comprehensive overview of the effectiveness of...

This paper examines the recent empirical literature in Islamic banking and finance, highlights the main findings and provides a guide for future research. Early studies focus on the efficiency, production technology and general performance features of Islamic versus conventional banks, whereas...