What is the impact of foreign bank entry on banking sector outreach? A recent paper on the Mexican experience shows contrasting patterns: the number of municipalities with bank presence increased, but the number of loan and deposit accounts decreased.
While only rich and urban areas benefited from more bank presence, the decline in loan and deposit accounts was more pronounced in rural and poorer areas.
Reaction to pre-crisis inefficiencies? A deliberate strategy of foreign banks to focus on the upper end of the market? Or a response to demand or regulatory changes?
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