Branch network structure, authority and lending behaviour

Pham, T., Talavera, O. and Tsapin, A. (2022) Branch network structure, authority and lending behaviour. Economic Systems, 46 (4). 101040. ISSN 0939-3625 doi: 10.1016/j.ecosys.2022.101040

Abstract/Summary

Using a novel dataset of Ukrainian banks, this paper examines the link between the structure of branch network and bank lending. Bank regional branches are categorized into contact points without loan decision-making authority and more independent delegated branches which can make loan decisions. We find that a large and dispersed network of contact points can help increase credit supply and mitigate risks through diversification. Further, banks benefit from the information advantage brought by the presence of delegated branches in local markets. However, the longer distance between headquarters and local delegated branches, the more amplified agency problems become, which outweighs the benefits. Our findings suggest that the optimal structure could be a centralized network of delegated branches combined with a diversified access point network.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/100096
Identification Number/DOI	10.1016/j.ecosys.2022.101040
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Politics, Economics and International Relations > Economics
Publisher	Elsevier
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