<i>'. . . the book by Bonin, Mizsei, Szekely and Wachtel gives a very detailed and informed account of four policy areas highly relevant to banking in transition economies . . . The rather selective nature of the book makes it a valuable source of information and input for the work of both policymakers in the region and academic researchers.'</i>
This authoritative book presents an extensive investigation of changes in the structure of the banking industry and the progress of privatization, particularly in Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic. Privatization and the restructuring of 'problem banks' are analysed as well as the strategy for re-capitalization and bank failure, and the role of foreign banks in bringing reform to the region. The book offers policy prescriptions for the transition from a passive banking structure to an active financial sector supporting the development of the industrial sector, and for the role of the state after privatization.
This book will be of great importance to bankers in Central and Eastern Europe and economists interested in the process of transition, as well as financial and monetary economists.