The introduction of a common currency as well as the harmonization of rules and regulationsin Europe has significantly reduced distance in all its guises. With shrunken costs ofovercoming space, this emphasizes centripetal forces and it should foster consolidation offinancial activity. In a...

1. Financial innovation and the economics of banking and the financial system / David T. Llewellyn -- 2. Is financial innovation still a relevant issue? / Luisa Anderloni and Paola Bongini -- 3. Microfinance, innovations and commercialisation / Reinhard H. Schmidt -- 4. Technological innovation...