Chapter 1 - Introduction

Abstract

The Chinese banking sector, as that sector which affects the life of the society as a whole, plays a vital role in promoting the economic growth of China. In addition, the Chinese government and banking regulatory authorities have undertaken consistent efforts to create a sustainable, healthy and well-performed banking sector. A growing number of academic researchers have scrutinized the issues in the Chinese banking industry. The three most important aspects of the Chinese banking industry are to improve performance, increase competition as well as reduce risk-taking behaviour on the part of Chinese commercial banks. This book comprehensively and systematically examines the status of competition and efficiency in the Chinese banking industry. In particular, this book evaluates the impact of competition on the efficiency of Chinese commercial banks. This chapter will introduce the book, focussing on the aims and objectives, methodology and data as well as overall structure.