Forces for change in European retail banking : analysis and implications for local commercial banks

Abstract

The study consists of a theoretical and practical analysis of four important forces driving change in European retail banking. The enlargement of the European Union & the introduction of the EURO, Developments in Technology, Structural Reforms in Regulation and changing Competitive Pressures are the four forces identified in a theoretical overview at the initial stages of the study. Four Maltese commercial banks were then surveyed in order to obtain a practical analysis of the impact of these change drivers on the retail banking operations of Maltese banks. The results of the survey are then presented and a comparison is made between the salient practical findings and the theory previously identified. The study concludes with a set of recommendations as well as the identification of areas for further research.