Concentration and other determinants of bank profitability in Europe, North America and Australia

Abstract

This study reviews the performance of banks in twelve countries or territories in Europe, North America and Australia and examines the internal and external determination of profitability. To circumvent some of the difficulties in making comparisons between banks in different countries, the concept of 'value added' is introduced. Results parallel those in domestic U.S. studies and provide some support for the Edwards-Heggestad-Mingo hypothesis of risk avoidance by banks with a high degree of market power. © 1989.