Private banking is one of the highest growth and most profitable financial businesses in Europe. A large proportion of the market remains untapped and the 1990s are likely to bring significant expansion in developing countries. Private Banking in Europe provides new insights into the private banking industry, its growth and future, and emerging opportunities for private bankers and their clients. It debates the importance of global and local service; the potential dichotomy between the wealthy and the successful, and considers the private banking industry. A comparison of key players and their chosen markets and strategies is complemented by an exploration of the growth of intermediaries and unexpected competitiors. The work also includes a study of non-European influences. The book offers a valuable insight into private banking, through the eyes of the bankers themselves. The final chapter is devoted to private bankers' own view of their industry, their competition and future directions.

Private bankers have been defined as owner-managers of their bank, irrespective of their type of activity, which could be in any field of banking, sometimes in conjunction with another one, especially commerce in the earlier periods. Analysing the experiences of European private bankers from the early modern period to the early twenty-first century, this book starts by examining the slow emergence of specialist private bankers, largely from amongst those who provided commercial credit. This initial consideration culminates in a focus upon the roles that they played, both during the onset of the continent's industrialization, and in orchestrating the finances of the emerging world economy. Its second theme is private banking's waning importance with the rise of joint-stock competitors, which became increasingly apparent in Britain during the mid-nineteenth century, and elsewhere within Europe some decades later. Lastly, attention is paid to the decline of private bankers in the twentieth century -a protracted and uneven decline, combined with the persistence and even the enduring success of some segments of the profession. It concludes with the revival of private banking in the late twentieth century as a response to the development of a new market - the management of personal wealth.

For centuries private bankers owned and managed their banks, usually with unlimited liability.In the mid-19th century they faced increasing competition. This book traces the rise and decline of this original form of banking, and its revival in the late 20th century as a response to the development of a new market - the management of personal wealth.

Within Europe, the banking sector is commencing a period of considerable change and consolidation. Advances in technology, competition from the non-banking sector, the introduction of the Euro, a European Central bank and, possibly, pan-European Regulation, combined with the challenge from US banks, increased mergers and changing practices means 21st century banking is changing immeasurably. The Future of Retail Banking in Europe is written in an accessible style by Oonagh McDonald and Kevin Keasey, two of the leading authorities in the field and includes: In-depth analysis of the banking structures in all the major European markets. Foreword by Guy Warren, Head of Banking, Europe, Unisys Corporation Unique insights into the industry from the CEOs of major European banks. The challenges being faced in the industry and predictions into what the future holds for retail banking in Europe. This book will be essential reading for middle and senior managers in the banking and financial service sectors, both suppliers and investors in the banking sector, and MBA students.

The first comprehensive professional guide to the workings and structure of the international private banking marketplace, this book details the services available, the key players, the distinctive characteristics of, pressure upon and trends within this traditionally very closed financial market. It begins with an analysis of the industry including an invaluable guide to private banking providers. The author then goes on to examine the profitability of private banking and then covers the structures and strategies which are necessary for private banking to work. The book concludes with an overview of the market trends and characteristics.