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The rise and fall of universal banking: ups and downs of a sample of large and complex financial institutions since the late �90s

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  • Sergio Masciantonio

    (Banca d'Italia)

  • Andrea Tiseno

    (Banca d'Italia)

Abstract

We document the development of the major international banks since the late 1990s, analysing balance-sheet data for 27 large and complex financial institutions. We argue that balance-sheet expansion and business line diversification paved the way for the rise of the universal banking model. This model, apparently sound and efficient in the run-up to the crisis, revealed all its shortcomings when the crisis erupted. European banks displayed greater fragilities in their business models. The changed financial and regulatory landscape that followed has challenged this model further. Many proposed remedies to the global financial crisis appear to push for a return to a narrower model for banking activity.

Suggested Citation

  • Sergio Masciantonio & Andrea Tiseno, 2013. "The rise and fall of universal banking: ups and downs of a sample of large and complex financial institutions since the late �90s," Questioni di Economia e Finanza (Occasional Papers) 164, Bank of Italy, Economic Research and International Relations Area.
    • Handle: RePEc:bdi:opques:qef_164_13
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Paola Bongini & Laura Nieri, 2014. "Identifying and Regulating Systemically Important Financial Institutions," Economic Notes, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA, vol. 43(1), pages 39-62, February.
    2. Alessandri, Piergiorgio & Masciantonio, Sergio & Zaghini, Andrea, 2014. "Everything you always wanted to know about systemic importance (but were afraid to ask)," CFS Working Paper Series 463, Center for Financial Studies (CFS).
    3. Giovanna Paladino & Zeno Rotondi, 2020. "Banking business models and risk: Findings from the ECB's comprehensive assessment," Economic Notes, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA, vol. 49(2), July.
    4. Bongini, Paola & Nieri, Laura & Pelagatti, Matteo, 2015. "The importance of being systemically important financial institutions," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 50(C), pages 562-574.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    banks; banking crises; financial crises; balance sheets;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G01 - Financial Economics - - General - - - Financial Crises

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