European Banking offers an authoritative and comprehensive analysis of the role of financial institutions in the move towards European monetary integration. Clearly written by experts in the fields of banking and finance, the book will become invaluable reading for students of economics, finance and business as well as professionals working in the banking industry. The first part of the book examines the role and functions of the proposed European Central Bank and its implications for monetary policy in the member countries. Successive chapters discuss the emerging regulatory and supervisory framework for the banks and financial systems in the EC, the implications of the 1992 programme for banking strategies and structure, the European markets for mortgage finance and the development of payment systems in Europe. The final section considers the impact of economic harmonization on the Swiss banking and financial centres.