Changes in the Russian Banking System

Dissertation / Doktorarbeit von Martin P. Kühle

Abstract:

This dissertation analyses the structural changes in the Russian banking system and gives insights into the current market situation. Starting with a review of theoretical aspects of banking in Western economies and the rationale for the existence of banks, the deficiencies of the former socialist banking system are exposed. A large section is dedicated to the special role of the banking system during the process of transition and to an evaluation of how far Russian banks rise to the challenges of these tasks. The historical process of reforming the central and commercial banking system is described, laying emphasis on the legislative changes and the means of supervision.

The banking system in Russia has been dominated by rapid growth in the last three years due to high profit expectations. However, many banks granted credits to dubious industrial companies and now face a large amount of uncollectable assets in their credit portfolios. The analysis shows that with rising positive real interest rates and growing competition in the banking market, a large number of small and mediumsized banks will either have to admit bankruptcy or be acquired by expanding banks.

The emerging interbank, bond and equity markets are illustrated with regard to the influence of banks. The deficiencies in settlement processes, liquidity, trading rules, and private and commercial law are examined. The next urgently required steps in the reform process are listed. The future progress of the Russian banking system however, is not only dependent on legal and structural changes in related financial and capital markets, but based on the critical assumption of peaceful, politically stable and socially balanced developments in Russia.

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