Universal Banking: A Shareholder Value Perspective

Abstract

In their historical development, organizational structure, and strategic direction, universal banks constitute multi-product firms within the financial services sector. Certainly within their home environments, universal banks effectively target most or all client-segments, and make an effort to provide each with a full range of the appropriate financial services. Outside the home market, they usually adopt a narrower competitive profile, in the majority of cases focusing on wholesale banking and securities activities as well as international private banking – occasionally building a retail presence in foreign environments as well.