Title: Finance, growth and fragility: the role of government

Authors: Thorsten Beck

Addresses: Cass Business School, London, UK; Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands; Centre for Economic Policy Research, London, UK

Abstract: This paper offers a critical survey of the literature on the role of financial deepening in economic development, focusing on the role of government. Specifically, I distinguish between the policy view that relates financial sector development to an array of necessary policies and institutions, the historic view that relates financial sector development to historic and cultural factors, and the politics view that explains financial sector development as the result of political conflicts and decisions. These three views of financial sector deepening imply a different role for government. I discuss examples from the developed and developing world and repercussions for current reform discussions.

Keywords: financial development; economic growth; financial crisis; government policies; government role; financial reforms.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBAAF.2013.058088

International Journal of Banking, Accounting and Finance, 2013 Vol.5 No.1/2, pp.49 - 77

Published online: 18 Jul 2014 *

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