Banking Sector Integration and Competition in CEMAC
January 1, 2007
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Summary
This paper considers the extent of retail banking integration in the Communauté Economique et Monétaire d'Afrique Centrale (CEMAC) and the level of bank competition at the regional level. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative indicators, the paper finds some evidence of price convergence in average interest rate spreads. However, this observed fact is not supported by an increase in cross-border flows in retail loans and deposits, and price convergence may merely reflect excess liquidity in the region. Other data also indicate that bank competition within the CEMAC as a region is limited, complementing the findings on integration. Addressing shortfalls in legal and regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and markets would facilitate integration.
Subject: Asset and liability management, Banking, Commercial banks, Competition, Excess liquidity, Financial institutions, Financial integration, Financial markets, Financial services
Keywords: bank, bank competition, bank flow, banking integration policy, banking sector integration, CEMAC, CEMAC country, Commercial banks, Competition, Excess liquidity, executive secretariat, Financial integration, group IV bank, monetary union, Standard Chartered bank Cameroon, unit price, West Africa, WP
Pages:
25
Volume:
2007
DOI:
Issue:
003
Series:
Working Paper No. 2007/003
Stock No:
WPIEA2007003
ISBN:
9781451865677
ISSN:
1018-5941
