Universal Banking Post Crisis: Past and Future of International Corporate and Personal Banking

Abstract

This paper reviews the characteristics of the international incursions by banks since the early 1990s, examines the implications of the US subprime meltdown crisis and ensuing credit crunch for the pursuit of international banking activities, and provides a conceptual framework to help banks assess strategic decisions regarding the scope of their international operations in the years to come. We conclude that international banks, while remaining loyal to universal banking in terms of scope of activities, should become increasingly selective regarding the international reach of each and all components of their financial services offering portfolio