Financial system

Economic system

Commercial bank

Regional development

Economics

Business

Economic geography

Regional science

Geography

Political science

Economic policy

Debt

Finance

Regional studies

Regional Studies

This study analyzes the economic consequences of changes in the local bank presence. Using a unique data set of banks, firms and counties in Poland over the period 2009–14, it is shown that changes strengthening the relationship banking model are associated with local labour market improvements and easier small and medium-sized enterprise access to bank debt. However, only the appearance of new, more aggressive owners of large commercial banks stimulates new firm creation.

The economic impact of changes in local bank presence