Using a Fourier flexible form cost function methodology, technical progress is estimated for a large sample of European savings banks between 1989 and 1997. On average, technical progress has reduced savings banks total costs by around 3.4% per annum. Since the European savings banks industry is...

<title/> This article outlines the nature, causes and extent of financial exclusion in Europe and discusses policy/industry responses to tackling it. Policy response has been ad hoc and country specific. Policy-making by the EC has been disappointing; national solutions are preferred to US-style...