Abstract
An examination of the entry of Canadian banks into the American banking market. The paper shows how their greatest competition remains the American commercial banks, and shows how their attempt to enter the real estate market has succeeded. It shows how Canadian Banks already realize a healthy portion of the US real estate market and it is expected that this growth will continue into the future.

From the Paper
"The Canadian economy has paralleled the US economy for the past year. Following the events of September 11, 2002, the Canadian economy and the US economy took dips and many on both sides of the border feared recession. However, these circumstances were short-lived and both economies quickly resumed their normal pattern. The US economy is strong and many Canadian Banks are poised to take advantage of eager investors in the United States. Many of these Banks have established a presence in New York City. One of the main reasons for this move is the strength of the US dollar. Foreign Banks used to have a competitive edge over American Banks, but legislation has evened the playing field. The chief competition for Canadian Banks operating in the US is, of course, other US Banks."

Tags:real, estate, banking, america, canada, money, mortgage, profit

Abstract
The paper discusses the effectiveness of corporate governance in banking and financial systems in Malawi, an African developing economy. The paper begins with a discussion on the history of Malawi combined with a short explanation of its economy and past laws affecting the banking industry. The banking industry in Malawi is then critiqued along with a general discussion of the manner in which banks operate and affect a country's economy. Next, the paper analyzes the larger financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in the context of Malawi's economy. In addition, the available literature on the topic is outlined, broken down into different sections. Furthermore, the paper assesses the effectiveness of corporate governance in Malawi's financial sector and proposes a study for future work. Finally, predicted results of the study are outlined, and well as recommendations for implementing and establishing better guidelines for corporate governance in Malawi's financial services and banking industry.

Outline:
Proposal
Introduction:
Corporate Governance in Malawi
Proposal Conclusion
An Overview of the Role of Commercial Banks
Malawi's Financial Services & Banking System
Literature Review
Public Sector Management
Public Policy Formulation
Decentralization
Corporate Governance
Purpose of the Study & Methodology
Proposed Study Methodology
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The effectiveness of corporate governance in Malawi's commercial banks is an important issue given the essential role banks play in the financial systems of developing economies and the widespread banking reforms that these economies have implemented. Although the subject of corporate governance in developing economies has recently received a lot of attention in the literature, the effectiveness of corporate governance of banks in Malawi has been almost ignored by researchers. In developed economies, the corporate governance of banks has only recently been discussed in the literature. In order to address this research deficiency, this paper discusses some of the key concepts and issues for the corporate governance of banks in Malawi that can be applied to other developing economies. In many developing economies, the issue of bank corporate governance is complicated by extensive political intervention in the operation of the banking system. Malawi is a low income country where economic development is a priority for a future stable economy. Economic development consists of capacity building, good governance and economic reform. Acquired skills cannot be utilized fully and institutions cannot operate efficiently without good governance; similarly, economic reform cannot be implemented properly without institutions that are functioning well ."

Tags:corporate, governance, financial, services, banking

Abstract
This paper compares and contrasts the practices of banks and credit unions regarding different types of consumer loans. An argument is made that the types of products offered by these different institutions is driven by their institutional make-up and their operational goals. Some scenarios are considered to determine what consumers might expect from these product offerings.

From the Paper
"When consumers decide to borrow money in today's financial marketplace, they face more choices and must navigate around more dangers than ever before. Not only are there numerous instruments available to people of different financial means, each marketed in various ways and with varying levels of disclosure, there are also many different types of institutions accessible to them. This paper will compare and contrast the two most common institutions that make consumer loans, banks and credit unions, in terms of their structure, general loan policies, and common instruments. After laying the groundwork for each type of institution, several generic scenarios will be presented for typical consumers wishing to obtain a loan, in order to determine what kinds of offers might be made by a typical bank or credit union."

Tags:consumer, loans, banking

Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the historical developments and achievements of central banks. Monetary theory and policy, as well as central banks' tasks and tools and the structure of central banks are discussed. The paper specifically discusses how a system combining so many different European economies is able to keep monetary policy stable and the euro strong. In addition, an analysis of the differences between the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve System is also provided.

Table of Contents:
Preface
Introduction
Retrospective View in the US and selected European Countries
History of the Fed
The First and Second Central Bank (1791- 1836)
Free Banking Era and National Banks (1837-1912)
The Federal Reserve System (1913- present)
History of German Central Banks
The German Empire and its' "Reichsbank" (1871-1945)
Foundation of "Deutsche Bundesbank" (1948-1998)
The Euro Era (1993 - present)
History of the European Central Bank
Steps toward a European Central Bank (1957- 1989)
Stage One of EMU (1990 - 1993)
Stage Two of EMU (1994 - 1998)
Stage Three of EMU (1999 - present)
Short Historical Overview on the "Banque de France"
Short Historical Overview on the "Banco de Espana"
Short Historical Overview on the Bank of England
Summary of Major Events
Monetary Theory and Policy and Tasks and Tools of Central Banks
Monetary Theory
Pure Keynesian Theory
The Quantity Theory and the Monetarist Approach
Theory of Rational Expectations
Trade-off Faced by central banks
Monetary Policy
Tasks and Tools of Central Banks
Tasks
Role of a Central Bank in a financial system
Goals
Tools
The Structure of Central Banks on the Example of the ECB and the Fed
The European Central Bank
Structure and Tasks
Decision-making Bodies
Tasks of the ECB and the Eurosystem
Monetary Policy
Monetary Policy Strategy of the ECB
Four Key Ingredients for an Effective Central Bank
The Federal Reserve System
Tasks and Structure
Monetary Policy
Goal of the Monetary Policy
Four Key Ingredients for an Effective Central Bank
Comparison of the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve System
Structure, Tasks and Decision-making Bodies
Monetary Policy Objectives and Strategies
Four Key Ingredients for an Effective Central Bank
Conclusion
Appendix

From the Paper
"Central banks play a highly important role in the international financial systems today. With the right monetary policy they are able to bring about economic growth and financial stability in a country. Conditions in different countries are diverse, therefore the structure of a central bank can also be quite different, e.g. is the American central bank structure more decentralised than it is the case in Great Britain. However, monetary theory and policy become more and more similar for central banks due to their greater independence, increasing transparency and global financial and economic changes. This is especially true for the European Central Bank and the Federal Reserve System, because both have much more similarities than differences."

Tags:FRS, EMU, reserve

Abstract
The paper explains the importance of customer service in the banking business and examines banks with unusual or extraordinary customer service policies. The paper looks at Sovereign Bank's "Red Carpet Service" policy, Citizens Bank's website with its on-line suggestion box, M&T Bank's payment assistance for loan customers, Commerce Bank's opening hours and Omega Bank's courtesy coverage for their customers. The paper then focuses on the role of bank employees in following the bank's customer service procedures and relates the outcome of two banks who were contacted with customer complaints. The paper concludes by proposing a customer service policy for all banks.

From the Paper
"Banks are a service-related business. There is only a certain number of ways banking services can be offered to customers. With that in mind, one of the most effective ways to get customers' attention is to focus on customer service. Customer service policies need to be developed and designed to keep current customers happy, as well as, attract new customers. Another thing to consider is the use of the internet. Most banks have on-line access. Customer service policies must be designed to include extreme security measures while maintaining ease of use for the customer."

Tags:employees, complaints, respect, feedback

Abstract
Evaluates a list of top 35 US banks, recommends top 3 banks for investors. Gives a brief history of bank assets, company structure, etc. Lists reasons for a possible merger between Fifth Third bank and one of the top 3 banks (Citicorp, Bank One, and Deutsche Bank/Taunus Corp.).

Abstract
Evaluates a list of 35 top U.S .banks and recommends the top 3 banks for investors. Gives a brief history of bank assets, company structure, etc. Lists reasons for a possible merger between Fifth Third bank and one of the top 3 banks (Citicorp, Bank One, and Deutsche Bank/Taunus Corp.).

Abstract
The paper explains that the function that banks perform is to accept deposits and then lend that money. The paper notes that credit policy not only varies from bank to bank but within the same bank through different time periods. The paper explains the process used to grant credit that is often based on the creditworthiness of the borrower, but reveals that there are instances where bank credit policy does not reflect rational decision-making on the part of bank managers. The paper concludes that as they face increasing competition from a variety of other financial intermediaries, it is more important than ever before that banks understand their role and the best practices with regards to consumer lending.

From the Paper
"Banks execute their credit policies by a number of means. As noted earlier, most banks have a wide range of products at their disposal. Credit officers must assess the client's need and find the right product. Choosing the right product should result in maximizing the profit for the bank and the benefit for the consumer. There can be significant differences between consumer credit products. Thus it is critical that banking officers understand each different product, the circumstances for which it is best used and the needs of the individual customer so that the recommended solution is the best one available for that customer."

Tags:mortgages, loans, payments, borrower

Abstract
This paper discusses the purposes of central banks and the variances that exist between countries in how central banks are instituted and developed from country to country over time. It then discusses the need for central banks to be independent of politics or any other forces and the consequences that can occur if this is not the case.

Table of Contents:
Variations
County to Country
Over Time
Key Concerns: Central Bank Reactions
Independence Issues

From the Paper
"If free market perspectives are to be considered alone, then there is little argument against the need for central bank independence. In such a perspective, any intervention, political or otherwise, can disrupt the free market movements. At the same time, there is argument that such a degree of independence also can deter the ability of government to manage its economic growth. Another argument is that such policies put developing countries at a distinct disadvantage against more developed economies because of economies of scale.
"One of the most popular examples to illustrate the need for central bank independence is the events that led to the Great Depression. In this scenario, governments control of the country's economy, particular its investment policies affecting the monetary value of the country's currency, as a key contributing factor for the collapse. In its objective to encourage the expansion of the economy to prevent a recession because of similar recession in European markets through spending, the U.S. economy literally was not able to support expectations in the market. However, in the case of the Asian Financial Crisis, analysts now believe that it was the emphasis on liberalization encouraged policies that will eventually left governments unable to respond to kicks in inflation and maintain currency stability."

Tags:financial institutions, currency trade returns

Abstract
This paper considers the arguments in favor of DNA criminal data banks and those opposed to them and then outlines suggested alternative policies for data banks. The paper concludes by noting that, while the DNA data banks may prove to be an invaluable resource to law officials, care must be taken not to violate the individual's right to privacy.

From the Paper
"DNA banking of criminal information is a source of controversy among many human rights activists. According to statistics, Criminal DNA databanks offer an effective means of controlling crime. Genetic information on criminals is being collected and stored in many states as a means of identifying current and future criminals. Statistics support the notion that collecting DNA information on criminals helps reduce crime. Case in point, the Division of Forensic Science has managed an average of 37 "hits" per month, where hits refer to a situation where DNA analysis of a crime scene has resulted in suspect matches from previously convicted offenders and subsequent arrest (DCJS, 2004). In Virginia the DNA databank database contains more than 200,000 of criminals (DCJS, 2004)."

Tags:identifying, information, collected, committing, crime, criminals, genetic, material