BANK SPÓŁDZIELCZY (COOPERATIVE BANK) AS A GUARANTOR OF THE STABILISATION OF THE LOCAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM1

Abstract

Urgency of the research. One of the most essential sources of supporting regional and local development is the banking system. Target setting. The study presented describes cooperative banking, represented by Bank Polskiej Spółdzielczości S.A. and Bank Spółdzielczy w Kielcach. The use of the statistical data analysis method allowed to demonstrate the strong position of cooperative banking in the market, fostering regional and local development. Actual scientific researches and issues analysis. The foundations for the modern cooperative banking sector were laid by cooperative financial organisations functioning more than 150 years ago [Pawlik, 2017, s. 152]. Its history is connected with difficulties faced in the period of partitions, work at the foundations after the end of World War I and Poland’s regaining its national independence. Uninvestigated parts of general matters defining. At present, cooperative banking functions as a result of the adoption by the Sejm of the Republic of Poland on 7 December 2000 of the act on the functioning of cooperative banks, their associations and associating banks, which ensured new legal conditions for the functioning of the sector2. The research objective. The article formulates the hypothesis that nowadays activities of cooperative banks will contribute to regional and local development. The statement of basic materials. One of the most essential sources of supporting regional and local development is the banking system. This system can guarantee the stabilisation of the local financial system. By supporting the development of regional and local entrepreneurship through loans, investment activities of the banks and financial and investment consulting, it will determine the identity of the region concerned. Conclusions. The use of the statistical data analysis method allowed to demonstrate the strong position of cooperative banking in the market, fostering regional and local development.