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Measuring and explaining competition in the financial sector

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  • J.A. Bikker
  • L. Spierdijk

Abstract

The first part of this paper provides a systematic discussion of the structural problems of competition on financial markets as observed from the demand and from the supply side, using a diagnostic framework. Potential impediments to competition are concentration, entry barriers, lack of transparency, product complexity, switching and search costs, financial illiteracy, lack of consumer power and weak intermediaries. In response to such financial market failures, we suggest a number of possible policy reactions. The second part of the paper investigates ways to measure competition and provides empirical figures on banking competition in 101 separate countries and assesses the market structure as monopolistic (or a perfect cartel), perfectly competitive or monopolistic competitive. Also, banking competition is explained, using explanatory variables of market structure, contestability, inter-industry competition, and institutional and macro economic conditions. This analysis provides possible instruments for reform in order to help promote competition. Next, the impact of banking consolidation is examined. Finally, developments in competition are observed over time, generally pointing to a downward trend.

Suggested Citation

  • J.A. Bikker & L. Spierdijk, 2009. "Measuring and explaining competition in the financial sector," Working Papers 09-01, Utrecht School of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:use:tkiwps:0901
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Nitin Navin & Pankaj Sinha, 2019. "Market Structure and Competition in the Indian Microfinance Sector," Vikalpa: The Journal for Decision Makers, , vol. 44(4), pages 167-181, December.
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    6. Matousek, Roman & Nguyen, Thao Ngoc & Chris, Stewart, 2016. "Performance of the banking sector of a developing country: A non-structural model using the disequilibrium approach," Economics Discussion Papers 2016-2, School of Economics, Kingston University London.
    7. Nuri Altintas & Alessandra Ferrari & Claudia Girardone, 2022. "Do financial reforms always improve banks efficiency and competition? A long-term analysis of Turkey’s experience," Journal of Banking Regulation, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 23(4), pages 458-469, December.
    8. Faten Zoghlami & Yassine Bouchemia, 2021. "Competition in the banking industry, is it beneficial? Evidence from MENA region," Journal of Banking Regulation, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 22(2), pages 169-179, June.
    9. Matousek, Roman & Nguyen, Thao Ngoc & Stewart, Chris, 2013. "Market structure in the banking sector: Evidence from a developing economy," Economics Discussion Papers 2013-1, School of Economics, Kingston University London.
    10. Khaldoun M. Al-Qaisi, 2018. "A Literature Review on the Competition in the Banking Sector," International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, Human Resource Management Academic Research Society, International Journal of Academic Research in Accounting, Finance and Management Sciences, vol. 8(1), pages 174-184, January.
    11. Faris Alshubiri, 2022. "The financial competition, concentration and structure of financial performance nexus in the financial sector of Oman," Economic Change and Restructuring, Springer, vol. 55(2), pages 681-714, May.
    12. González, Francisco, 2022. "Macroprudential policies and bank competition: International bank-level evidence," Journal of Financial Stability, Elsevier, vol. 58(C).

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