The University of Adelaide
Browse
wp2018-16.pdf (2.14 MB)

Modern Chinese Banking Networks during the Republican Era

Download (2.14 MB)
journal contribution
posted on 2019-01-10, 10:35 authored by Florian PloecklFlorian Ploeckl, Lingyu Kong
Domestic western-style banks emerged as China’s leading financial sector during the Republican era, an environment characterized by economic and political uncertainty and weak property rights. We document that these modern banks nevertheless flourished, especially during the Nanjing decade in the 1930s, with strong social and commercial relationships throughout the sector.
Focusing on interlocking directorates we trace the shape, structure and development of the network of cooperation between these banks. This network shows a dominating central cluster, indicating that the sector was characterized by internal cooperation rather than competition. Similarly, new entrants were strongly linked to existing banks, indicating that entry was driven by the expansion of existing banks rather than the rise of new competition. Finally, central locations of public banks within the cluster indicate that the government gained influence over the sector
through direct bank ownership. This paper shows that the domestic financial sector reactedsuccessfully to the threats of the external environment by weaving a close web of interdependence, including with the government.

History

Usage metrics

    The University of Adelaide

    Licence

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC