This paper deals with two, potentially intertwined issues of stock exchangegovernance. First, we demonstrate in a static global games model that in-vestment propensity will vary across di®erent types of organizational formsand competition scenarios. Exchanges organized as mutuals are...

German open end real estate funds are internationally the only exceptionwhich have been for almost 50 years very successful. Since 2004, the whole sectorsuffers a crisis which is very close, if not already identical, to a bank run.Both phenomenon seek an explanation. The ongoing crisis let to...

In this paper, we propose a model of credit rating agencies using the global gamesframework to incorporate information and coordination problems. We introduce arefined utility function of a credit rating agency that, additional to reputationmaximization, also embeds aspects of competition and...

This paper discusses the so-called commercial approach to microfinance undereconomic and ethical aspects. It first shows how microfinance has developed from a purelywelfare-oriented activity to a commercially relevant line of banking business. Thebackground of this stunning success is the almost...

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...