The merger-mania of the 1990s has seen half of all US banks in operation at the end of the 1970 disappear. This study shows that it is not operating efficiences driving the mergers, and that consolidation may have effects contrary to consumer and non-financial businesss interests.

About one third of ATMs now make direct charges to consumers, and in 2004 it is estimated that UK consumers paid £140 million in charges made whilst accessing funds through cash machines. The Committee's report examines the principle and increasing trend towards charging, the clarity of presentation of these charges to the consumer, the likely impact on financial exclusion and low-income households, and key areas for action from government, regulators and the industry. Findings include that although there has been an increase in free machines as well as charging machines, their location and the lack of transparency about which machines make charges hinders genuine competition and consumer choice. Recommendations include that there should be a clearer indication of the amount of surcharge on external signage with standardised labelling for all free and charging machines. The LINK network agreement needs to improve consumer representation and its enforcement mechanisms. The trend towards ATM charges should not be allowed to exacerbate existing financial exclusion, and the Government should ensure that the switch to direct payment of benefits does not disadvantage recipients in their access to cash.

Banking is an essential industry, and one with many regulations as well as frequent, important changes. This work is designed to help students understand the field of banking from the perspective of both a bank customer as well as a bank manager. It provides a description of the banking industry.