Modern Chinese Banking Networks during the Republican Era

Lingyu Kong () and Florian Ploeckl ()
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Lingyu Kong: School of Economics, University of Adelaide

No 2018-16, School of Economics and Public Policy Working Papers from University of Adelaide, School of Economics and Public Policy

Abstract: 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 reacted successfully to the threats of the external environment by weaving a close web of interdependence, including with the government.

Keywords: Domestic western-style banks; Chinese banking networks; chinas leading financial sector; economic and political uncertainty; republican era (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018-09
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cna and nep-his
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Journal Article: Modern Chinese banking networks during the Republican Era (2022)
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