The degree of competition in the Italian banking industry

This paper tests for the presence of market power in the Italian banking industry during the period 1971 1996 by using a simultaneous-equation model. In spite of growing consolidation, which occurred particularly in the latter years, the empirical findings rule out the possibility that the market is characterised by a joint monopoly, and appear to support the view that the conduct of the Italian banks is becoming more competitive as a consequence of the European integration process. These results, therefore, also constitute a counter argument to the idea that high concentration prevents substantial competition amongst firms.