The German Sparkassen (savings Banks)

Download or read book The German Sparkassen (savings Banks) written by C. V. J. Simpson and published by Civitas Book Publisher. This book was released on 2013 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Description: Commentators across the political spectrum are pointing to the German system of local banks as a model for Britain to emulate. Much like our own banks, the big German commercial banks cut lending to businesses after the crisis in 2008, but the local German Savings Banks increased their loans, providing vital support for the wider economy in difficult times. In this report, Christopher Simpson explains how these local German Savings Banks (Sparkassen) operate. He describes the history, structure and organisation of the Sparkassen, which are only allowed to lend within a geographically defined area and, as a result, develop close relationships with their customers. They are publicly-owned but independent organisations with the 'common good' objective of supporting sustainable economic development rather than maximising profit.