Bank Merger Wave: The Economic Causes and Social Consequences of Financial Consolidation

This far-reaching study shows that operating efficiencies are not what are driving today''s unrelenting bank merger mania. It suggests that bank mergers and consolidation may have effects that are contrary to consumer and non-financial business interests, such as lower rates of interest, increasing fees, and tighter credit constraints. Dymski recommends several new policies to apply to the evaluation of prospective mergers.