Includes bibliographical references (pages 143-148) and index.

Banks are of central importance for economic growth, the allocation of capital, competitiveness, and financial stability. Propelled by technological advances in financial analysis and financial deregulation, the banking industry's investment played a key role in enhancing national economic growth in the early 21st century. The global financial crisis in 2007 revealed the banking world's feet of clay. Since 2007, the turmoil in the global financial system has prompted a fundamental reappraisal of the scale, scope, governance, performance, safety and soundness of banks and other financial institutions. In this Very Short Introduction John Goddard and John Wilson explore the world of banking, describing the role of central banks in national and global economies, and analyzing the increasing supervision and regulation imposed on the banking industry. Looking to the future, the authors consider proposals for reform of the banking industry, and the prospects of a resolution of the closely-related banking and sovereign debt crises. --Publisher.

Origins and function of banking -- Financial intermediation -- Securitized banking -- The central bank and the conduct of monetary policy -- Regulation and supervision of the banking industry -- Origins of the global financial crisis -- The global financial crisis and the Eurozone sovereign debt crisis -- Policy and regulatory responses to the global financial crisis.

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