Profit differentials between Canadian and US commercial banks: the role of regulation

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Sewanee: University of the South
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC HISTORY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0022-0507
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022050700019094
• 发表日期: 1997
• 页码: 674-696
• 关键词: UNITED-STATES; interest parity; COMPETITION; cointegration; STABILITY; SYSTEM

摘要

Using annual data on nationally chartered U.S. and Canadian banks from 1929 to 1989, this article empirically evaluates the impact of various regulations on bank profitability. An intercountry comparison reveals that the less restrictive regulatory environment in Canada has historically resulted in higher bank profits. Specifically, higher leverage, greater securities investment and lending opportunities, and the freedom to establish branch units all significantly contribute to higher bank profitability in Canada. Evidence presented also shows that U.S. banks would have been more profitable over the sample period in a regulatory environment similar to Canada's.