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Structure and Competition in the Uruguayan Banking Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Miguel Mello

    (Banco Central del Uruguay)

  • Jorge Ponce

    (Banco Central del Uruguay)

Abstract

Using a quarterly data set for 14 banks in Uruguay between 2004 and 2018, we find that this sector is a concentrated oligopoly that exhibits global economies of scale. Specific product economies of scale are only significant in loans to households. Likewise, we find statistically significant economies of scope between loans to households in foreign and in local currency, as well as between loans to firms and deposits in local currency. The credit market to households is the less competitive, behaving like a monopoly or under implicit collusion. The credit market to firms exhibits greater competition than that suggested by the structure of the market, specially in local currency. Overall, the results suggest that there exists room for the development and increasing competition of the Uruguayan banking sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Miguel Mello & Jorge Ponce, 2019. "Structure and Competition in the Uruguayan Banking Sector," Documentos de trabajo 2019006, Banco Central del Uruguay.
    • Handle: RePEc:bku:doctra:2019006
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • L10 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance - - - General

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