Banks, Growth and Geography

Abstract

This paper presents a general equilibrium endogenous growth model, in which financial intermediaries evaluate the quality of projects, mobilize savings to finance the most promising ones and diversify risk. Information technology available to banks is linked to geographic proximity. This valuation capacity increases the proportion of high-return projects being financed, and thereby accelerates economic growth. This positive effect does not depend on the degree of individuals' risk aversion.

Keywords: financial intermediation, endogenous growth, imperfect information, screening

JEL Classification: D82, E20, E44, G20, O16