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Abstract:
In this paper we analyse the current state, past performance, and future prospects of the Greek banking system. Greek banking is in a period of rapid transformation, reflecting the impact of national, European and international forces. Deregulation and European integration are already intensifying competition. The most revolutionary transformation will follow from the privatization of Greece's public banks. We focus on two challenges for policy makers: the need to strengthen prudential supervision, and the need to manage the process of restructuring so as to deliver a more efficient, competitive banking system.

Banking, European integration, Greece

Abstract:
This paper examines the capital flow experience of transition economies which are also prospective EU members with a view to shedding light on the likely problems they might encounter with exchange rate policy in the run up to euro area membership. We show that they have been experiencing fairly sizeable capital flows since the early 1990s. We explain these flows using two separate models. The first explains the level of capital flows using panel data from the prospective EU members. The second concentrates specifically on estimating the probability of a country experiencing downward speculative pressure. In both cases, the contribution of domestic factors and contagion is explored. The results suggest that, while domestic factors have some role to play, it is rather limited. Moreover, there is clear evidence of contagion effects, suggesting that macroeconomic policy in the prospective EU members will be complicated by capital flows in the run up to euro area membership.

Abstract:
This paper examines the cash flow sensitivity of investment using a panel of UK manufacturing firms to investigate the existence of a balance sheet channel. In addition to examining the impact of cash flow in different subsamples based on company size or financial policy, we investigate the extent to which investment becomes more sensitive to cash flow in periods of monetary tightness by employing a narrative indicator constructed for the United Kingdom. The results indicate that cash flow sensitivity in financially constrained firms is higher during periods of tight monetary policy and that financial constraints weaken with financial market sophistication.

Abstract:
It is often argued that managers who have control over investment finance are more likely to pursue their own goals while those who have to raise funds externally are effectively monitored by the financial markets. One implication is that externally finances investment should be more profitable than internally financed investment. We focus on investment in acquisitions and show that its negative net impact on profitability (as seen in previous studies) derives from externally, rather than internally, financed acquisitions. Our results therefore do not support the hypothesis that managers squander internal funds on poor investment projects. Indeed, the evidence suggests that capital markets and financial institutions do not appear to generate the anticipated beneficial effects.