This collection offers a comparative overview of how financial regulations have evolved in various European countries since the introduction of the single European market in 1986. It includes a number of country studies which provides a narrative of the domestic financial regulatory structure at the beginning of the period, as well the means by which the EU Directives have been introduced into domestic legislation and the impact on the financial structure of the economy. In particular, studies highlight how the discretion allowed by the Directives has been used to meet the then existing domestic conditions and financial structure as well as how they have modified that structure. Countries covered are France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Hungary and Slovenia. The book also contains an overview of regulatory changes in the UK and Nordic countries, and in post-crisis USA. This comparative approach raises questions about whether past and more recent regulatory changes have in fact contributed to increase financial stability in the EU. The comparative analysis provided in this book raises questions on whether the past and more recent changes are contributing to increase the financial stability and efficiency of individual banks and national financial systems. The crisis has demonstrated the drawbacks of formulating the regulatory framework on standards borrowed from the best industry practices from the large developed countries, originally designed exclusively for large global banks, but now applied to all financial institutions.

There can be no doubt that the influence of the financial sphere has intensified rapidly in recent years, but there is much debate about the effect of that influence. The aftermath of the Financial Crisis has led to numerous discussions of the phenomenon of so-called financialization: the increasing impact of financial institutions on the activity of all business entities; emerging threats related with dynamically developing financial markets and the growing importance of financial themes. In light of these issues, which appear in all economies and touch all entities and every area of economic activity, there is a need for a summary and evaluation of the role of financialization in the world today. This monograph presents the role of financialization in the modern world. It shows positive as well as negative effects of financialization on the stability of the whole economy, the functioning of different types of markets, activity of enterprises, state institutions and behaviours of households. Written by expert contributors, this book plays an important role in the debate concerning future directions of development of the financial sector and financial markets. Financialization and the Economy is of great importance to those who study political economy, macroeconomics and banking.

"Private Banking in Europe" provides new insights into the private banking industry, its growth and future, and emerging opportunities for private bankers and their clients. Lynn Bicker debates the importance of global and local service; the potential dichotomy between the wealthy and the successful, and considers the private banking industry. A comparison of key players and their chosen markets and strategies is complemented by an exploration of the growth of intermediaries and unexpected competitiors. The work also includes a study of non-European influences. The final chapter is devoted to private bankers' own view of their industry, their competition and future directions.

The idea of free (or laissez-faire) banking has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in recent years. It is a novel idea that challenges much of what many banking scholars still take for granted - that banking is inherently unstable, that the banking system needs a lender of last resort or deposit insurance to defend it in a crisis, and that the government has to protect the value of the currency. Against this free banking sets an argument which is in essence very simple: if markets are generally better at allocating resources than governments, then what is different about money and the industry that provides it and why? Laissez-Faire Banking is divided into three interelated sections, dealing with the theory of free banking, historical experiences of it and present-day monetary and banking reforms based on free banking principles.

This book examines the current state of central banking in 44 developing countries. The authors analyse the banks' achievement in their primary objective of price stability and discuss the reasons behind the general lack of success. The book covers:
* government financing
* foreign exchange systems
* domestic banking systems.
Rich in data, the book contains original financial information from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. The lay-out is user-friendly and generously illustrated with tables, figures, boxed material and useful appendices. The book is published in association with the Bank of England and presents the definitive account of the role of central banks in developing countries.

This book examines the current state of central banking in 44 developing countries. The authors analyse the banks' achievement in their primary objective of price stability and discuss the reasons behind the general lack of success. The book covers:
* government financing
* foreign exchange systems
* domestic banking systems.
Rich in data, the book contains original financial information from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. The lay-out is user-friendly and generously illustrated with tables, figures, boxed material and useful appendices. The book is published in association with the Bank of England and presents the definitive account of the role of central banks in developing countries.

'Monetary policy is not just a matter of optimal stabilization policy; it is also fundamentally a matter of politics. But while this observation is commonplace, it is not adequately incorporated into economists' reasoning and analysis. Gerald Epstein's work represents perhaps the most prominent exception to this last rule. Reading him provides a salutary reminder that we need to pay closer attention to this political aspect when thinking about central banks and what they do.' - Barry Eichengreen, University of California, Berkeley, US Central banks are among the most powerful government economic institutions in the world. This volume explores the economic and political contours of the struggle for influence over the policies of central banks such as the Federal Reserve, and the implications of this struggle for economic performance and the distribution of wealth and power in society. Written over several decades by Gerald Epstein and co-authors, these works explore why central banks do what they do, and how they could better operate. Epstein shows that central banks are a contested terrain over which major economic and political groups fight for control; and demonstrates that though in the US and most other countries, private bankers have the upper-hand in this political struggle, they don t always win. Graduate students, faculty and advanced undergraduates in economics, political science and sociology who are interested in central banking and finance as well as specialists who focus on central banking will find greater understanding of central banks through The Political Economy of Central Banking.

Money is, of course, something with which everyone is familiar. But how many people truly understand the role money plays in the society? Judging from the duress and anxiety associated with this subject, few people are aware of the real purpose and function of money. Here L. Ron Hubbard delineates its proper role in assisting the survival of individuals, groups and cultures. As he strips away the complexities accumulated over the centuries to prevent anyone outside an "inner sanctum" from really grasping its purpose and function, the entire subject clarifies and focuses. And what becomes clear is that money owes its unsavory reputation not to its use, but to its abuse. Once understood for what it is, money assumes its correct place as but one element-albeit an important one-contributing to individual, organizational and national survival. Here, then, is an entirely new look, demystifying a subject and commodity that everyone depends upon. And as for what follows from that, listen and see.

For two decades thinking on economic policy has been dominated by the idea of economic liberalization in general and financial deregulation in particular. This field has become both extensive and controversial, yet there is no single book which treats financial deregulation in a complete and coherent manner.
This book rectifies the shortfall by focusing specifically on the consequences of interest rate deregulation for the real sectors of the economy. Using both analytical and simulation models the behaviour of consumers, firms, banks, informal credit markets and governments is examined with a view to providing guidance on a number of controversial issues.

First Published in 1995. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

When the major aid organizations made flows of aid conditional on changes in policy, they prompted an extensive debate in development circles. Aid and Power has made one of the most significant and influential contributions to that debate. This edition has been revised to take account of changes within the World Bank itself and the extension of policy based lending to the formerly socialist economies of east and central Europe.

When the major aid organizations made flows of aid conditional on changes in policy, they prompted an extensive debate in development circles. Aid and Power has made one of the most significant and influential contributions to that debate. This edition has been revised to take account of changes within the World Bank itself and the extension of policy based lending to the formerly socialist economies of east and central Europe.

The International Monetary Fund is the centre of a global financial system that encourages budgetary discipline and full integration into world trade to facilitate development and alleviate poverty.
Yet this policy 'conditionality' of the IMF is highly controversial. Critics state that fifty years of IMF existence has been 'fifty years too long', and that its doctrinaire policy must change or Fund programmes will have only limited ability to achieve their objectives.
This book examines the arguments, tracing the extent of Fund adaptation, presenting major new evidence on the consequences of Fund programmes, and considering its future role.

A stable and sound financial system plays a critical role in mediating funds from surplus units to investors, making it a prerequisite for economic development. Financial intermediaries have been vulnerable to adverse changes in the local and global economy and experienced frequent bubble-and-bust episodes historically. Analyses of financial crises reveal that the incentive created by neo-liberal financial principles is inconsistent with stable financial systems, and viable solutions require structuring institutions in a way that incentives are well aligned with the fundamental principles of financial systems. By drawing on the theoretical framework of the financial restraint model, this book analyses financial sectors' rents or bank rents and their effects on banks' performance and stability, and presents evidence on the relationship between rent and incentive through case studies of both developed and developing countries.

Originally published in 1925. This book sets forth a plan to stabilize the currency at a time in which there was much discussion of what to radically change to improve the state of the flow of gold and discounts and interests. It addresses such questions as 'what is a standard of currency' and 'to whom does the gold belong' among its discussion of the best way forward. A fascinating insight into 1920s economic history.

Accounting for Financial Instruments is about the accounting and regulatory framework associated with the acquisition and disposal of financial instruments; how to determine their value; how to manage the risk connected with them; and ultimately compile a business valuation report. Specifically, the book covers the following topics, amongst others: Accounting for Investments; Bills of exchange; Management of Financial Risks; Financial Analysis (including the Financial Analysis Report); Valuation of a business (including the Business Valuation Report) and Money laundering. Accounting for Financial Instruments fills a gap in the current literature for a comprehensive text that brings together relevant accounting concepts and valid regulatory framework, and related procedures regarding the management of financial instruments (investments), which are applicable in the modern business world. Understanding financial risk management allows the reader to comprehend the importance of analysing a business concern. This is achieved by presenting an analytical framework to illustrate that an entity's performance is greatly influenced by its external and internal environments. The analysis of the external environment examines factors that impact an entity's operational activities, strategic choices, and influence its opportunities and risks. The analysis of the internal environment applies accounting ratio analysis to an entity's financial statements to examine various elements, including liquidity, profitability, asset utilisation, investment, working capital management and capital structure. The objective of the book is to provide a fundamental knowledge base for those who are interested in managing financial instruments (investments) or studying banking and finance or those who wish to make financial services, particularly banking and finance, their chosen career. Accounting for Financial Instruments is highly applicable to both professional accountants and auditors and students alike.

As the linchpin of the global financial system, the International Monetary Fund provides the balance of payments support, chiefly to developing countries, conditional on strict remedial policy measures.
Its approach to policy remains highly controversial, however. While the Fund claims it has adapted, critics allege its policies are harshly doctrinaire, imposing hardships on already poverty-stricken people. For the critics, the half century of its existence is `fifty yeats too long' and radical change is essential.
This book examines the arguments, tracing the extent of Fund adaption, presenting major new evidence on the consequences of fund programes, and considering its future role.

eBook available with sample pages: 0203392582

Few presidents have sparked as much interest in recent years as Ronald Reagan. This biography finds Reagan's personal career and ability to understand and communicate with the American people admirable, but finds the long-term effects of his presidency harmful.

This critique of World Bank operations examines the effects of this organization on the societies in which it operates. Highly critical of the Bank's practices in its 50 years of operation, the author demonstrates how the Bank has become virtually unaccountable and a law unto itself. He describes how the Bank has supported oppressive regimes and loaned money to support large projects which have displaced local populations. He argues further that the Bank's current policies of structural adjustment are arresting the development of Third World countries.

Managing Finance is developed from tried and tested materials that are easy to read and work is written from a managerial perspective for general managers on executive or MBA courses. The text focuses on accounting from the viewpoint of the needs of managers for financial information and understanding. Scenarios and examples are included that demonstrate a socially responsible approach. Business Scenarios are presented at the opening of each chapter and this is then used to explore the topics covered given at the start of the chapter. This approach is very appealing to people with business experience There is supplementary material with this text for the website with additional exercises, cases, multiple choice questions, Powerpoint presentations, and tutorial material. This will be kept up-to-date and provide links to other resources.

Islamic banking and economics (IBE) is a fast-growing subject of vital interest in both East and West as Muslims change their attitudes towards investments and find ways to invest their funds according to the Islamic faith. Along with the rapid developments in Islamic banking there has been a concomitant increase in the quantity of relevant IBE material generated. Since IBE is a highly specialized cross-disciplinary field involving economics, business, marketing, religion, philosophy and culture, it is difficult for researchers to locate and obtain information without having to go through several secondary sources such as indexing and abstracting services. In this electronic age, it is essential for researchers to be aware of the various forms of information available for consultation. Yet, until now, the few previous works on IBE information sources have been limited to the coverage of materials available during the early 1980s, before the most recent period of expansion, and in addition the materials cited were often unpublished and therefore unobtainable. In answer to a long-felt need, "Information Sources on Islamic Banking and Economics" provides a detailed bibliography of IBE sources concentrating on the period 1980-1990 with some data from 1991 and 1992, and with the additional unique feature of setting out, for the first time, the information infrastructure of the IBE discipline. A comprehensive author index and a keyword subject index for important terms are provided, and only published - and therefore easily obtainable - items have been included. This book is essential reading for all researchers, economists, bankers and others who need information on the increasingly important field of Islamic banking and economics, and related areas.

This work challenges the conventional understanding of Hong Kong's political culture as one of indifference. It takes a historical look at political participation in the former colony and includes an in-depth analysis of 13 selected cases.

Few presidents have sparked as much interest in recent years as Ronald Reagan. This biography finds Reagan's personal career and ability to understand and communicate with the American people admirable, but finds the long-term effects of his presidency harmful.

This work challenges the conventional understanding of Hong Kong's political culture as one of indifference. It takes a historical look at political participation in the former colony and includes an in-depth analysis of 13 selected cases.

This book goes beyond traditional financial institutions textbooks, which tend to focus on mathematical models for risk management and the technical aspects of measuring and managing risk. It focuses on the role of financial institutions in promoting social and economic goals for the communities in which they operate for the greater good, while also meeting financial and competitive challenges, and managing risks. Cooperman divides the text into seven easily teachable modules that examine the real issues and challenges that managers of financial institutions face. These include the transformative changes presented by social unrest, climate change and resource challenges, as well as the changes in how financial institutions operate in light of the opportunities that rapid innovations and disruptive technologies offer. The book features: Up-to-date coverage of new regulations affecting financial institutions, such as Dodd Frank and new SEC regulations. Material on project financing and new forms of financing, including crowd funding and new methods of payment for financial institutions. New sustainable finance models and strategies that incorporate environmental, social, and corporate governance considerations. A new chapter on sustainable financial institutions, social activism, the greening of finance, and socially responsible investing. Practical cases focusing on sustainability give readers insight into the socioeconomic risks associated with climate change. Streamlined and accessible, Managing Financial Institutions will appeal to students of financial institutions and markets, risk management, and banking. A companion website, featuring PowerPoint slides, an Instructor's Manual, and additional cases, is also available.