Banking through electronic channels has gained increasing popularity in recent years. This system, popularly known as 'e-banking', provides alternatives for faster delivery of banking services to a wide range of customers. This study aims to collect customers' opinions regarding the importance...

In this paper, we examine the internet banking services that Greek commercial banks are offering. We also present the associated costs and fees that customers face when using these services. The findings show that there are disparities in the fees that Greek commercial banks impose on their...

The paper indicates that, on one hand the EU was used by Romania more as a commitment device for service sector policy reform then the WTO agreement (GATS) and, on the other hand, that even if Romania has attained a high degree of services trade liberalization, as well as a significant degree of...

Nowadays, the unprecedented development of the information and communication technologies generates profound and irreversible changes of the entire society. Because of its specific characteristic features, the banking services’ field is one of the most dynamic sectors in the economy....

This paper describes recently established deposit insurance systems, identifying emerging trends. In line with previous IMF work on the subject, it argues against the development of "best practices" applicable to all systems. Rather, it stresses the importance of incorporating each...

This paper presents an overview of the economy of Hungary. The paper highlights that during the Fifth Five-Year Plan (1976–80), actual growth rates for almost all major plan aggregates remained below the targets. The lower targets set for the increase in both consumption and investment in...

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there has been increased public interest in informal funds transfer (IFT) systems. This paper examines the informal hawala system, an IFT system found predominantly in the Middle East and South Asia. The paper examines the historical and...

This assessment of the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking Supervision has been completed as part of the IMF Offshore Financial Center (OFC) assessment program. First, the assessment benchmarks the current state of banking supervision, recognizing that there have been extensive changes...

The German financial system is complex and highly diversified. The second most important class of financial institutions is insurance and pension companies. Germany has taken steps to enhance accounting and auditing practices and to align corporate governance with best international practices....