Title: Multi-channel banking in Romania: a comparative study of the strategic approach adopted by domestic and foreign banks

Authors: Calin Gurau

Addresses: Group Sup. de Co. Montpellier, 2300 avenue des Moulins, 34185 Montpellier, France

Abstract: Driven by increased competition and more demanding customers, in the last five years a large number of banks have diversified their offer, offering multi-channel banking services. The situation is similar in transition economies where domestic and foreign banks are attempting to develop the market and attract a larger share of customers. This study presents a comparative analysis of the multi-channel banking strategies implemented by foreign and domestic banks in Romania, discussing the competitive conditions of the Romanian banking environment and the main reasons for the development of multi-channel services: in the market penetration stage, the foreign banks enter the Romanian market either by initiating electronic banking services, or through the acquisition of domestic banks; then, in the expansion stage, the foreign banks continue to develop through organic growth or through further local acquisitions, while domestic banks attempt to diversify their offer by introducing electronic banking services.

Keywords: multi-channel banking; Romania; strategic approach; transition economy; financial services; transition economies; foreign banks; domestic banks; e-banking; electronic banking; acquisitions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJFSM.2006.010119

International Journal of Financial Services Management, 2006 Vol.1 No.4, pp.381 - 399

Published online: 20 Jun 2006 *

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