This paper investigates whether investment in Information Technology (IT) - hardware, software and other IT services - influences the performance of banks. Using a sample of 737 European banks over the period 1995-2000 we analyse whether IT investment is reflected in improved performance...

This paper investigates whether M&A operations influence the performance of banks. Using a sample of 714 deals involving EU acquirers and targets located throughout the world over the period 1991-2005, we investigate whether M&A operations are associated with improved performance (using both...

We examine the impact of governance reforms related to board diversity on the performance of EU banks. Using a difference-in-difference approach, we document that reforms increase bank stock returns up to two years after their introduction. We find that the impact is similar across mandatory and...

Theory suggests that securitization provides financial institutions with an opportunity to lower the cost of funding; improve credit risk management and increase profitability. In practice, as evidence during the recent crisis, it might lead to adverse consequences through a number of indirect...