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Should Banking Be Kept Separate from Commerce

Author

Listed:
  • Alexander Raskovich

    (Economic Analysis Group, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice)

Abstract

In the U.S., unlike much of the rest of the world, the mixing of banking and commerce is largely prohibited. One exception is industrial loan companies (ILCs), state chartered depository institutions some of which are owned by commercial parents. In 2006, the FDIC put a moratorium on the chartering of new ILCs pending resolution of a controversy sparked by Wal-Mart's application to start up an ILC in Utah. Wal-Mart subsequently withdrew its bid. This paper reviews the major arguments that have been raised against the mixing of banking and commerce, finding most to be theoretically weak or lacking in empirical support, and discusses several efficiencies that may arise from the integration of banking and commerce.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexander Raskovich, 2008. "Should Banking Be Kept Separate from Commerce," EAG Discussions Papers 200809, Department of Justice, Antitrust Division.
    • Handle: RePEc:doj:eagpap:200809
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    File URL: https://www.justice.gov/atr/public/eag/236665.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ken Heyer & Carl Shapiro & Jeffrey Wilder, 2009. "The Year in Review: Economics at the Antitrust Division, 2008–2009," Review of Industrial Organization, Springer;The Industrial Organization Society, vol. 35(4), pages 349-367, December.
    2. Barth, James R. & Sun, Yanfei, 2020. "Industrial banks: Challenging the traditional separation of commerce and banking," The Quarterly Review of Economics and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 77(C), pages 220-249.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Regulation; Industrial Loan Companies; Banking; Antitrust;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • L40 - Industrial Organization - - Antitrust Issues and Policies - - - General
    • K21 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Antitrust Law
    • K23 - Law and Economics - - Regulation and Business Law - - - Regulated Industries and Administrative Law

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