Shelagh Heffernan Livres

The banking world is changing rapidly. The strategic priority has shifted away from growth and size alone towards a greater emphasis on profitability, performance and ?value creation? within the banking firm. Bank professionals now require a thorough grounding in the micro foundations of banking if they are to make important managerial decisions, or implement banking policies. Containing up-to-date case studies, this book is concerned with the theory and practice of banking now, and the prospects for the future. Unlike many other books in this area, this text is devoted to the micro issues of banking, including competition, structure, performance, risks and regulation. "?rigorous, topical and it provides a good insight into some of the major empirical and policy research fields of modern banking ? an important and stimulating contribution to the micro banking literature. It should be required reading for banking students, researchers, banking professionals, and all who are interested in modern banks and banking." Edward Gardener, Institute of European Finance, University of Wales, Bangor, UK "? it takes an international approach to the subject of banking and combines that perspective with the more conventional aspects of the subject treated in a modern textbook. ? the writing is clear and concise ? I think you have a winner in this book." Ingo Walter, New York University Salomon Center, USA

Modern Banking focuses on the theory and practice of banking, and its prospects in the new millennium. The book is written for courses in banking and finance at Masters/MBA level, or undergraduate degrees specialising in this area. Bank practitioners wishing to deepen and broaden their understanding of banking issues may also be attracted to this book. While they often have exceptional and detailed knowledge of the areas they have worked in, busy bankers may be all too unaware of the key broader issues. Consider the fundamental What is unique about a bank? and What differentiates it from other financial institutions? Answering these questions begins to show how banks should evolve and adapt - or fail. If bankers know the underlying reasons for why profitable banks exist, it will help them to devise strategies for sustained growth. Modern Banking concludes with a set of case studies that give practical insight into the key issues covered in the