Le statut de coopérative est-il source d’efficacité dans le secteur bancaire ?

Abstract

Is the cooperative ownership structure a factor of efficiency in banking firms ? Some economists, especially American, consider that cooperative banks operate inefficiently, and that they will disappear. Using the same analysis than these authors, we try, in this paper, to explain the good performances of cooperative banks in France, comparing to stock banks. The relevant criterion which allows to set apart cooperative banks from stock banks is the ownership structure, and not the existence of a common bond. We then develop the consequences of the cooperative ownership structure of financial institutions. Cooperative banks appear to be able to compete efficiently with stock banks, even if the aim of the organisation is not the maximisation of the profitability for the capital owners. JEL classifications : G21, L2