Spatial analysis of the distribution and determinants of bank branch presence in Ghana

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-222 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Ansong ◽  
Gina Chowa ◽  
Bernice Korkor Adjabeng

Purpose – Expanding access to financial services for the 70 percent of Ghanaians who are unbanked is critical. Bank branches have been the primary channel for financial service delivery, but this may be changing because of technological innovations. Analysts believe branch-based banking still has a role in promoting financial inclusion. The purpose of this paper is to examine the pattern of bank branch presence across rural and urban Ghana; the disparities in the spatial distribution of domestic, foreign, and rural and community bank branches; and the district level characteristics associated with the pattern of spatial distribution of bank branches. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses spatial analyst tools, geographically weighted Poisson regression, and data from Ghana’s banking sector to show the inequality in availability of branch-based services and to highlight the district and regional level differences in the determinants of branch allocation. Findings – The study finds evidence of inequality in access to financial services. Physical bank branches are disproportionately more accessible in the urban south compared to the rural north. The study also finds that population size, percentage of urban residents, workforce size, and literacy level are associated with bank allocation but the results vary by district. Practical implications – Branch banking needs modernization to continue to bring financial services in closer proximity. Development of physical and electronic infrastructure could attract financial institutions to serve deprived areas with significant concentration of unbanked populations. Originality/value – Findings of the study point to the need for banks to re-envision branch banking technology to make branch banking more interactive. Banks need to find ways to fuse transferable elements of mobile phone banking into branch-based banking, not just to attract younger technology-savvy customers but also to help make operations more attractive, efficient, and cost effective.

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 498-512 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed Ahmad Naheem

PurposeThis paper uses the recent (August 2015) FIFA arrests to provide an example of how illicit financial flows are occurring through the formal banking and financial services sector. The purpose of this paper is to explore which elements of anti-money laundering (AML) compliance need to be addressed to strengthen the banking response and reduce the impact of IFFs within the banking sector.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on the indictment document currently prepared for the FIFA arrests and the District Court case of Chuck Blazer the FIFA Whistleblower. It uses the banking examples identified in the indictment as typologies of money laundering and wire fraud. Corresponding industry reports on AML compliance are included to determine where the major weaknesses and gaps are across the financial service.FindingsThe main findings from the analysis are that banks still have weak areas within AML compliance. Even recognised red flag areas such as off shore havens, large wire transfers and front companies are still being used. The largest gaps still appear to be due diligence and beneficial ownership information.Research limitations/implicationsThe research topic is very new and emerging topic; therefore, analysis papers and other academic writing on this topic are limited.Practical implicationsThe research paper has identified a number of implications for the banking sector, addressing AML deficiencies, especially the need to consider the source of funds and the need for further enhanced due diligence systems for politically exposed and influential people and the importance of beneficial ownership information.Social implicationsThis paper has implications for the international development and the global banking sector. It will also influence approaches to AML regulation, risk assessment and audit within the broader financial services sector.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is the link between the emerging issues associated with allegations of bribery and corruption within FIFA and the illicit financial flow implications across the banking sector.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 1215-1233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kong YuSheng ◽  
Masud Ibrahim

Purpose The concept of innovation is gaining ground steadily in the context of an increasingly competitive and highly volatile banking sector. The purpose of this paper is to find out the role of service innovation (SI) in the relationship between service delivery (SERVD), customer satisfaction (CSAT) and loyalty in the banking sector of Ghana. Design/methodology/approach Drawing from banking and marketing literature, a conceptual framework was developed and tested using data from 450 sampled customers of commercial banks in Ghana. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Findings The findings indicate that SI has direct influence on SERVD and CSAT. Again the findings revealed a positive relationship between SERVD, CSAT and bank customer loyalty. Research limitations/implications This study offers theoretical support for the adoption of innovative techniques in service provision and delivery. Originality/value This paper provides an initial study into innovation management in financial services context in an emerging economy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Tobias Aloisi Swai

Learning outcomes The case introduces student to basic understanding of banking sector in Tanzania as well as the strategies and struggle to raise capital through shareholders’ funds. Application of Banking theory and Pecking order theory is evidenced from the case. The case outlines why the bank struggled to raise capital and what triggers the capital raising strategies. It also give students an opportunity to think about applicable theories of capital structure and bank capital, and strategies the bank could use to rescue its capital crunch in the future. Case overview/synopsis The case provides details of how the Capital Community Bank (CCB) raised its capital through strategic financial engineering which enabled it to raise the minimum regulatory capital required to be licensed as a financial institution unit, to a regional financial institution, to a fully fledged commercial bank. The bank started with a paid up capital of TZS 472.3m in 2002, involving four Local Government Authorities and individual investors. Capital raised to TZS 31.3bn in 2014 and down to TZS 20.6bn at the end of 2016. The minimum regulatory capital required is TZS 15bn, while paid up capital was 16.9bn. With the change of the management team in 2017, the bank is looking for avenues to raise further capital to meet the regulatory limits and continue to survive as a commercial bank, given dramatic changes in the banking sector in Tanzania. Complexity academic level The case is suitable for third year students in Bachelor of Commerce/Economics specializing in banking/financial services. It also suits postgraduate/master's students seeking a Postgraduate Diploma or Master of Business Administration in financial institutions/banking course. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email [email protected] to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 614-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mario Menz

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of trade-based money laundering in Letters of Credit (“L/C”) transactions among trade finance practitioners in the UK banking sector and to compare it to the perception of the same risk by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), the regulator of the UK’s banking sector. Design/methodology A survey was used to carry out research among financial services professionals engaged in trade finance in the UK. Findings This paper contributes to the existing literature in a number of ways. First, it investigates the perception of trade-based money laundering risk from the perspective of financial services professionals, which has not previously been done. Second, it argues that the perception of trade-based money laundering in financial services is overly focussed on placement, layering and integration, and that the full extent of the offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 is less well known. It further found that financial services firms need to improve their understanding of the nature of trade-based money laundering under UK law. Practical implications This study argues that the financial services sector’s perception of trade-based money laundering risk in trade finance is underdeveloped and makes suggestions on how to improve it. Originality/value It provided unique insight into the perception of trade-based money laundering risk among financial services professionals.


2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 933-959
Author(s):  
Martin Boďa ◽  
Katarína Čunderlíková

PurposeThis paper studies the density of bank branches in districts of Slovakia and aims to identify determinants that explain or justify districtural differences in the density of bank branches.Design/methodology/approachBank branch density is measured by the number of branches in a district, and banks are further differentiated by size and profile. Potential determinants of bank branch density are sought through univariate and bivariate Poisson regressions amongst economic factors, socioeconomic factors, technological factors, urbanization factors, and branch market concentration.FindingsUsing data from 2016, it has been found that branch numbers in districts are determined chiefly by five factors that describe their economic development, population size with its characteristics, and existent branch concentration. The spatial distribution of bank branches in the territory of Slovakia is not random, but is found to be affected by environmental factors measurable at the districtural level. Only 22 Slovak districts representing administrative or economic centers are expected to be over-branched.Practical implicationsThe study helps to identify factors that need be accounted for in planning and redesigning of branch networks or in implementing mergers and acquisitions on a bank level. The results are also useful in regional policy and regulatory oversight.Originality/valueThe present study is unique since the decision-making processes of Slovak commercial banks in planning the location and density of their branch networks have not been rationalized and researched as of yet.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhurima Deb ◽  
Aarti Agrawal

Purpose The purpose of this study has been to understand brand India’s potential for financial inclusion in the future. As, digital channels like mobile banking (m-banking) are likely to provide better coverage and more cost-effective services to the unbanked population of India. Conventional banking might not be cost-effective for low-ticket-size transactions, hence financial inclusion, which is on the “Digital India” agenda of the Government of India (GoI), might not be feasible. However, to understand brand India’s potential for financial inclusion in the future, it would be essential to understand Indian customers’ attitudes toward m-banking, especially those who have not yet adopted it. This would bring out the potential of m-banking as a channel to drive financial inclusion based on customers’ intentions to adopt it. Until every Indian has access to a wider range of financial services, there cannot be financial inclusion. Similarly, until every Indian adopts digital channels to access a wider range of financial and non-financial services, the GoI’s initiatives for “Digital India” cannot be realized. Furthermore, a review of the literature suggests that there are very few studies concerning m-banking worldwide and still fewer in the context of India. Design/methodology/approach The present study used IBM SPSS and Amos software to test the conceptual model developed using secondary data. Findings The findings of the study suggest that subjective norm, output quality and personal innovativeness have impacts on the perceived usefulness of, and attitudes toward, the ultimate adoption of m-banking. Originality/value The paper is the original work of the authors. An attempt has been made to integrate all the existing literature on m-banking to develop a complete model for the technology’s adoption.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 42-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rabia Khatun ◽  
Jagadish Prasad Bist

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between financial development, openness in financial services trade and economic growth in BRICS countries for the period 1990–2012. Design/methodology/approach An index for financial development has been constructed using principal component analysis technique by including banking sector development, stock market development, bond market development and insurance sector development. For the robustness of the result, the long-run cointegrating relationship amongst the variables has been analyzed. Findings Overall financial development has a positive and significant impact on economic growth. To take the full advantage of openness in financial services trade, countries need to put more emphasis on the development of their stock markets, bond markets and the insurance sector. The result shows that openness in financial services trade has a positive impact on economic growth when the stock market, bond market and insurance sector are included in the system. Research limitations/implications The policy implication of the findings is that policymakers should focus more on developing all four areas of finance to get the full benefit of the financial system on the process of economic growth. Originality/value The authors have constructed the better indicators of financial development in the case of BRICS economies. Most of the studies in BRICS economies have measured the development of the financial sector as either banking sector development or stock market development. However, the present study includes all four areas of finance (banking sector development, stock market development, insurance sector development and bond market development) into account.


2008 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nana Owusu‐Frimpong

PurposeTo ascertain customers' usage level and perceptions of the image of rural community banks (RCBs) in Ghana. This research examines whether women and men differ in their levels of satisfaction and expectation about the banks' services. It also assesses the contribution of RCBs towards infrastructural development in the rural areas.Design/methodology/approachBoth desk and primary research methods were employed. Face‐to‐face interviews took place in 15 bank branches in the eastern region of Ghana. Over 170 respondents consisting of 105 males and 65 females co‐operated for this study. Analyses are presented in a statistical format using mean score and t‐test.FindingsRCBs are perceived as fairly active in rural infrastructural development, and have collaborated with NGOs to help identify, mobilise and educate rural groups in the usage and benefits of banking services. Men and women are gradually cultivating the banking culture. Both genders perceive the quality of financial advice, provision of information and service delivery as areas that need significant improvement. There are no significant differences between both genders in their perceptions and expectation of the banks services.Research limitations/implicationsThe sample size was limited to only one part of Ghana and may not be entirely representative.Practical implicationsThis study provides a meaningful insight into consumer behaviour in rural banking sector and useful platform for future studies in marketing of financial services in a developing country context.Originality/valueThe study is unique in that it looks at a rural banking service provision in a sub‐Sahara African country, a setting that markedly differs from the traditional high street banks sectors in the developed world. The results will enable financial service providers to consider the changing needs and wants of RCBs customers.


Subject Spain's banking sector. Significance Spanish banks have recovered strongly from the 2008-09 financial crash, but pressure on profits, cost reduction demands and new competition will ensure that the ongoing process of restructuring will persist. Impacts Low profitability will push banks towards higher-margin products and financial services attracting fee and commission income. Low bank valuations offer opportunities for institutional investors to increase their holdings and for stronger banks to make acquisitions. A renewal of conflict in Catalonia could force more banks and businesses to move their headquarters to other Spanish cities.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Imeda A. Tsindeliani ◽  
Maxim M. Proshunin ◽  
Tatyana D. Sadovskaya ◽  
Zhanna G. Popkova ◽  
Mariam A. Davydova ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the current state of the Russian banking system in the context of digital economy development, to establish and identify the benchmarks and needs of legal regulation, to study the potential possibilities of digitalization of relations in the banking sector in the mechanism of implementing prudential rules. Design/methodology/approach Using the method of political and legal analysis used in this study, the legal guidelines for the digitalization of the banking sector and the financial services market have been determined, which in the Russian legal system are strategic planning documents. Findings International research in the field of banking indicates that digitalization and globalization of the economy stimulate the processes of international regulatory cooperation and harmonization of legislation, the use of new approaches in the development and adoption of regulations in the financial market. The growth of digitalization of relations in the banking sector will contribute to the effective implementation of prudential rules, including those related to the need to protect public interests. Originality/value The study revealed a number of issues related to the digitalization of the activities of credit institutions that are professional participants in the securities market and the central bank as a financial mega-regulator, requiring a legal solution. Measures aimed at improving the current legislation and procedures of state regulation and supervision are proposed.


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