Proximity Of Banks Research Articles

Determinants of financial inclusion in Southeast Asia

ABSTRACT This study examines the determinants of financial inclusion – in terms of bank account ownership, formal saving, and formal borrowing – among countries in Southeast Asia. Using the World Bank Global Findex dataset, we document low rates of financial inclusion in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar and the Philippines. Individuals’ access to finance through borrowing is also generally low. Results show that income, educational attainment, being employed, and mobile phone ownership are positively associated with all three financial inclusion indicators. Age effects are nonlinear and vary across the financial inclusion indicators. Post-regression estimates suggest that the likelihood of formal account ownership is highest for individuals between ages 25 and 35, while formal saving and formal borrowing is most prevalent for those between ages 35 and 65. In relation, we find that the key barriers to opening a bank account in these Southeast Asian countries include costs, bank proximity, lack of trust in financial institutions, and individuals’ inability to complete required documentation. Younger individuals and middle-income individuals are more hesitant to open a formal account if a family member has an account already. Policy interventions targeted at breaking down some of these barriers and widening access to finance would boost growth and inclusion in developing countries.

Benefits of local banking in local economic development: Disparities between micro firms and other SMEs

This paper provides new evidence on the benefits of local banking. Relying on a unique bank-level lending dataset covering 96 French counties from 2005 to 2013, completed by historical firm-level information on firm's main bank, our results reveal strong heterogeneities in the impact of local banking on SMEs' activity depending on firm size, both at the local market level and the bank-firm level. Bank proximity provides strong benefits only to micro firms, the smallest and most informationally opaque SMEs, through a higher presence of regional banks or of geographically focused banks, in both normal and crisis times. Further, we document an overall positive effect of long-lasting bank-firm relationship on SMEs economic activity in line with the continuation-lending hypothesis. Being loyal to either a regional or a national bank fosters micro firms value added, while this benefit only exists for larger SMEs which are loyal to a national bank. Furthermore, our results reveal a flight to quality phenomenon led by national banks in troubled times.

Effect of debris accumulation on scour evolution at bridge pier in bank proximity

Abstract Large debris transported by flood affects scour features at bridge piers and increases the risks of structural failure. Geometric characteristics of the debris and the relative position of the pier with respect to the river bank are important parameters for the scour process. The interaction between the water flow and debris accumulation increases the shear stress, turbulence and consequently enhances the scour depth at the pier. This paper aims at analyzing such effects on scour evolution at bridge piers. To this end, two series of tests were carried out under clear water condition with different debris geometries and percentage blockage ratios. Experimental evidences showed that the pier position only influences scour evolution and equilibrium morphology for low water depths. Conversely, its effect becomes negligible for scour at bridge piers with debris accumulation and higher water depths. Useful practical relationships have been derived, with satisfactory prediction capability of the scour evolution for all the tested configurations.

Maneuvering hydrodynamic derivatives and course stability of a ship close to a bank

Captive model tests are conducted for a pure car carrier in the proximity of a sloped bank with variations in water depth, distance between ship hull and bank, hull drift angle and heel angle. Using the hydrodynamic derivatives obtained, the check helm and hull drift angle required at equilibrium conditions are estimated. Course stability of the ship sailing in the proximity of the bank is also studied based on a simplified analysis method. In h∕d=1.2 where h∕d means ratio of water depth h to ship draft d, the check helm of the ship reaches 35° near η0∕L=0.27 where η0 is the distance between the ship center line and the bank. Although this ship is course unstable in case of no rudder control, the ship becomes course stable in any water depths by employing the autopilot with appropriate control gains. The present analysis method is useful for conventionally assessing the course stability of a ship in the proximity of a bank.

The global surgery blood drought: frontline provider data on barriers and solutions in Bihar, India

ABSTRACTBackground: Limited access to safe, timely banked blood is a critical barrier to providing basic surgical care in resource-limited settings globally. Contextual, locally driven data are required to elucidate country needs, develop effective interventions, and guide policy decisions.Objective: We employ qualitative methodology to describe barriers faced and solutions proposed by front-line obstetric providers in Bihar – a poor, populous Indian state where maternal mortality exceeds the national average. We aim to make locally driven recommendations for ongoing policy work in India to strengthen the country’s blood transfusion system.Methods: From February to May 2016, two researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 obstetric providers across Bihar. Snowball sampling was employed until thematic saturation was reached. Following immersion into de-identified texts and dual codebook development, a primary analyst completed topical coding, and a secondary analyst confirmed reproducibility.Results: Providers report that pervasive banked blood shortages force hospitals to require replacement donation, but patients’ families often cannot or will not donate. Providers wait one to six hours for blood, depending on availability of staff and supplies, blood bank proximity, and the ability of the patient being treated to navigate the system. Providers feel forced to refer their patients, often to distant, poorly equipped centers. Providers identify donor education, improved infrastructure, and improved local coordination as focus areas for intervention.Conclusions: A multi-stakeholder approach that aims to increase blood donation through community education, mitigate limited infrastructure through short-term workarounds, and improve local-level coordination through state support and policy change is required in Bihar. This study generates data to guide policy and future research aimed at generating affordable, contextually appropriate interventions to the blood drought.

Are regulatory capital adequacy ratios good indicators of bank failure? Evidence from US banks

Motivated by massive bank failures during the financial crisis, this paper examines whether capital adequacy ratios required by regulators are associated with bank failure. It investigates whether the association is affected by the bank's proximity to the minimum required capital ratios. If results show a significant association between regulatory capital and failure of banks falling below the minimum capital ratios, then the ratios are set at an adequate level. Examining a sample of 560 US bank holding companies for the period 2003–2009, results reveal that the association between the core (Tier 1) capital ratio and bank failure becomes significant only if the bank holding company has a Tier 1 capital ratio of less than 6%. This is the level below which US bank regulators do not regard banks as being well capitalized. During the financial crisis period of 2007–2009, there is a significant association only when the criterion is set at or above 8%. Market-based probability of default is more significantly associated with failure relative to Tier 1 capital ratio. The findings of this paper are relevant to regulatory policy discussions and Basel III deliberations on capital adequacy at times of financial turmoil.

방파제 형상 연직구조물 부근을 항행하는 대형선박에 미치는 간섭력에 관한 연구

It is well known that the hydrodynamic forces and moments induced by the proximity of bank in confined waters, such as in a harbour or narrow channel affect ship`s maneuvering motion. In this paper, the calculation method based on the slender body theory for estimation of the hydrodynamic force between ship and breakwater is applied, and also, the characteristic features of hydrodynamic force acting on a large vessel in the proximity of a breakwater are described and illustrated. Furthermore, the effects of water depth and the lateral spacing between ship and breakwater are summarized and discussed.

Bank Involvement in Firm Management, Panacea or a Pain?

We investigate the impact of direct participation of banks on the board of borrowing companies in India. On the one hand, bank's proximity to decision-makers in the firm could mitigate the problem of expropriation by corporate insiders typical in emerging markets, thereby enhancing firm value. On the other hand, the possibility of greater intervention by banks even before bankruptcy could exacerbate the debt-equity conflict, hurting the firm's equity holders. India offers a unique setting for analyzing this tradeoff, with panel data on board composition combined with its weak institutional environment that is common to emerging markets. We find that firms with bank nominees on board tend to be larger, have greater leverage and more likely to be affiliated with business groups. These firms also tend to make fewer investments, take more loans and follow a more conservative dividend policy even when firms do not have good investment opportunities. On the other hand, firms with bank nominees that have value as going-concerns do not experience any lower bankruptcy risk compared to firms without nominees. Overall, bankers on board appear to be associated with diminished firm value, providing evidence consistent with bankers worsening agency problems between debt and equity.

Marketing of financial services and customer loyalty in the Nigerian banking sector

In a highly competitive environment of the banking service sector, customer loyalty is a must for the banks in order to maintain their market share. This provided the impetus for the study reported. Data analyses revealed that bank’s cleanliness, friendly staff and bank proximity are part of the factors that attract customers to the banks and customer’s loyalty is enhanced by themarketing strategy of the banks, which eventually improved their performance. It was therefore concluded that banks must invest more in financial service marketing strategies that would help to keep their customers. We thus, recommended that service points at the bank be well trainedand disciplined in order to build good relationship with customers, and introduce new technologies that would build confidence in the customers.

Banks and Firms in Industrial Districts (Banche e imprese nei distretti industriali)

Given the changes that occurred in the organization and specialization of Italian industrial districts and the changing geography of the banking system, in this paper is we aim at reassessing the bank-firm relationship in industrial districts. Using firm-level data on a sample of Italian SME, we examine the determinants of credit rationing and relationship lending. Firstly, we test whether firms located in industrial district area have more access to banking credit and rely more on relationship lending. Secondly, we assess if being localized in industrial clusters have heterogeneous effects due to the structure of local credit markets. Our results point out the firms operating in industrial districts are less credit rationed, while their probability of relationship lending is not significantly different from the one of the average firm. Furthermore, a higher operational proximity of banks to local economies is associated with more access to banking credit and and to a lower probability of engaging in relationship lending, while a higher functional distance of the banking system from local communities is associated with tighter financing constraints and a lower probability of relationship lending. These effects are significantly intensified for firms located inside industrial districts.

Regional variation in banking services and social exclusion

Chakravarty S. P. (2006) Regional variation in banking services and social exclusion, Regional Studies 40, 415–428. The paper examines the argument that the concentration of banking in large urban areas could result in social exclusion. There are those who fear that customers living in peripheral regions will suffer discrimination, and businesses will decline. An alternative view is that the geographical proximity of banks in an age of electronic communication is not needed. These conflicting views are examined in the context of the literature on statistical discrimination. It is concluded that it would be unwise to write off the importance of geography in the location of financial services. Chakravarty S. P. (2006) La variation régionale des services bancaires et l'exclusion sociale, Regional Studies 40, 415–428. Cet article cherche à examiner l'argument suivant: la concentration du secteur bancaire dans les grandes zones urbaines aurait pour résultat l'exclusion sociale. Certains craignent que les clients qui habitent les zones à la périphérie souffriront de la discrimination et que les entreprises se ralentiront. Un autre point de vue considère que la proximité géographique des banques à l'heure des systèmes de communication électroniques n'est pas nécessaire. Cet article cherche donc à examiner ces points de vue contradictoires à partir de la documentation sur la discrimination statistique. On arrive à la conclusion suivante: il serait imprudent de renoncer à l'importance de la géographie quant à la localisation des services financiers. Exclusion financière, Exclusion sociale, Fermeture des agences, Opérations bancaires régionales Chakravarty S. P. (2006) Regionale Abweichung bei Bankdienstleistungen und gesellschaftliche Benachteiligung, Regional Studies 40, 415–428. Dieser Aufsatz untersucht das Argument, daß die Konzentration des Bankwesens in Großstädten gesellschaftliche Benachteiligung zur Folge haben könnte. Es gibt Stimmen, die befürchten, daß Kunden, die in Randgebieten leben, unter Diskriminierung leiden, und Geschäftsunternehmen zurückgehen werden. Eine alternative Ansicht behauptet, daß geographische Nähe im Zeitalter elektronischer Kommunikationen nicht nötig ist. Diese widersprüchlichen Ansichten werden hier im Zusammenhang mit Literatur über statistische Diskrimination untersucht, und man kommt zu dem Schluß, daß es unklug sein würde, die Bedeutung der Geographie beim Standort finanzieller Dienstleistungen abzuschreiben. Finanzielle Benachteiligung, gesellschaftlicher Benachteiligung, Schließung von Zweigstellen, regionales Bankwesen Chakravarty S. P. (2006) Variación regional en los servicios bancarios y la exclusión social, Regional Studies 40, 415–428. En este artículo se examina si la concentración de bancos en grandes zonas urbanas puede desembocar en exclusión social. Algunos temen que los clientes que vivan en regiones periféricas acaben padeciendo discriminación y ocurra un declive de los negocios. Otro punto de vista es que no es necesaria la proximidad geográfica de los bancos en la era de la comunicación electrónica. Aquí se analizan estas opiniones contrastadas comparándolas con bibliografía sobre discriminación estadística. Llegamos a la conclusión de que sería imprudente ignorar la importancia de la geografía a la hora de ubicar los servicios financieros. Exclusión financiera, Exclusión social, Cierre de sucursales, Banca regional

Bank to Basin Transition in Permian (Leonardian) Carbonates, Guadalupe Mountains, Texas: ABSTRACT

Light-colored, parallel-stratified, non-reef marine limestone and dolomite (Victorio Peak Formation) grade southeastward abruptly into dark cherty limestone (Bone Spring) along the northwestern margin of the Delaware basin (King, 1948). Study of the well-exposed transition zone in the Guadalupe Mountains suggests the presence of three major contemporaneous environments along a gentle basinward slope: bank, and bank margin (0.5-1 mile wide), both Victorio Peak; and euxinic basin, Bone Spring. Basinward regression of transition facies was 2-3 miles during accumulation of 1,500 feet of section. Middle Permian erosion truncated the transition strata creating basin-sloping unconformities on which limestone, megabreccia, and sandstone (Cutoff and Brushy Canyon Formations) were eposited. Principal lithologic facies of the transition zone are successively: carbonate grainstone and dolomite packstone (bank); dolomite wackestone and mudstone (bank margin); and carbonate mudstone (basin). Paucity of desiccation or solution features, algal laminates, oolites, and coated or composite grains suggests prevalence of sub-tidal bank environments. Allochthonous channel fills and sheet deposits of skeletal packstone and wackestone occur in bank-margin and basin-edge facies. Sand-size skeletal grains and carbonate silt are dominant constituents in bank and bank-margin rocks. Carbonate silt predominates in basin facies. Characteristics of bank relative to basin strata are lighter color, dominance of grain-supported rocks, coarser grain size, normal-marine fauna, more dolomitization, less chert (but larger, more rounded nodules), and thicker, more massive beds. Undulatory bedding and disturbed laminations characterize many basin strata adjacent to the bank margin. Two major controls on sedimentation and subsequent diagenesis were diminished turbulence with depth, and an abrupt change along the depositional slope from normal-marine to euxinic water at inferred depths of a few hundred feet. Bank proximity and finer particle size favored dolomitization. Low permeability of organic-rich basin facies apparently inhibited downdip dolomitization. Cementation obliterated most depositional porosity. End_of_Article - Last_Page 474------------