Modern Banking focuses on the theory and practice of banking, and its prospects in the new millennium. The book is written for courses in banking and finance at Masters/MBA level, or undergraduate degrees specialising in this area. Bank practitioners wishing to deepen and broaden their understanding of banking issues may also be attracted to this book. While they often have exceptional and detailed knowledge of the areas they have worked in, busy bankers may be all too unaware of the key broader issues. Consider the fundamental questions: What is unique about a bank? and What differentiates it from other financial institutions? Answering these questions begins to show how banks should evolve and adapt - or fail. If bankers know the underlying reasons for why profitable banks exist, it will help them to devise strategies for sustained growth. Modern Banking concludes with a set of case studies that give practical insight into the key issues covered in the book: The core banking functionsDifferent types of banks and diversification of bank activitiesRisk management: issues and techniquesGlobal regulation: Basel 1 and Basel 2. Bank regulation in the UK, US, EU, and JapanBanking in emerging marketsBank failure and financial crisesCompetitive issues, from cost efficiency to mergers and acquisitionsCase Studies including: Goldman Sachs, Bankers Trust/Deutsche Bank, Sumitomo Mitsui, Bancomer