Cross-Border Retail Banking: Exploring the Unknown Financial Globalization in Times of Financial Crises

Abstract

The surge in cross-border banking prior to the 2007 / 08 global financial crisis took place not only in the interbank market but also in the retail market, e.?g. between banks and their private customers abroad. Cross-border retail activities of banks now account for a substantial share of total international activities. Despite its rising importance, we are just starting to understand the role of crossborder retail banking for globalization and stability. In this study, we assess this less known part of financial globalization by reviewing the development and structure of cross-border banking, identifying the factors that drive retail customers across borders and assessing the impact of financial crises on global retail banking.