Regulation of European Banks and Business Models: Towards a New Paradigm?

Amidst talk of establishing an EU-wide banking union, the recent changes in the regulatory framework and the rethinking of the future of European banking structure, the future of EU bank regulation is inextricably linked to banks’ business models. Using a sample of over 70 banks, which overlaps with those subjected to the European Banking Authorities’ 2011 stress tests, this report emphasizes the key regulatory gaps that emerge from a comprehensive analysis of the soundness and performance of bank business models. This analysis provides policy-makers with guidance to reinforce the evolving regulatory framework in European banking.