Until about 25 years ago, almost all European countries had a so-called "three pillar" banking system comprising private banks, (public) savings banks and (mutual) cooperative banks. Since that time, several European countries have implemented far-reaching changes in their banking systems, which...

This book investigates the merits of a diverse banking system with a special focus on the performance and role of cooperative banks in seven European countries where they are prominent (Austria, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). The theoretical and empirical arguments...

1. The theoretical background of co-operative banking -- 2. Co-operative banking networks: rationalities and models -- 3. Co-operative banking in Austria -- 4. Co-operative banking in Finland -- 5. Co-operative banking in France -- 6. Co-operative banking in Germany -- 7. Co-operative banking in...