The Practice of Multinational Banking

This book is designed to help the reader understand the environment and practices of multinational banks. Topics have been selected for their continuing relevance, despite changing events and issues. This comprehensive, up-to-date presentation provides both theory and practical information relating to international banking centers, regulation in international banking, foreign exchange management, financial engineering, country risk assessment, multinational banking services, syndicated loans, and international institutions in multinational banking. This book presents the growth and development of international banking and the role of large multinational banks in financial markets. It also presents the numerous types of foreign banking presence a bank can choose when it decides to go international. A description of the important banking centers is also covered. Issues pertaining to the regulation of international banking are elucidated in detail along with the impact of numerous U.S. laws on the operation of U.S. multinational banks. Specific operational issues such as foreign exchange management, the use of standard derivatives such as swaps and options, along with numerous financial engineering and risk management techniques are presented. Among other things the book covers country risk assessment, other multinational banking services, project financing, syndicated loans, and is part of the activities of many multinational banks. Furthermore, international institutions such as the Export-Import Bank, The World Bank, The International Monetary Fund, and the Bank for International Settlements, are described and their role in international finance and banking is explained. Finally, the book looks at likely future issues that will affect and influence the field of international banking. In particular, the advent of new competition, legislation, and financial instruments are analyzed.