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Report
Ongoing restructuring of retail banking
The largest U.S. commercial banks are currently in the process of restructuring their retail operations. This paper describes the innovations that are being adopted, explains the integrated strategies for restructuring, and reviews the policy issues that emerge. We find that banks are restructuring by developing complete customer-relationship profiles, switching over to remote electronic delivery channels (phone centers, home banking, and next-generation ATMs), relocating branches to large retail outlets, and redesigning selected branches as investment centers. The immediate goal of ...
Journal Article
The electronic purse
The electronic purse, a new payments instrument offering advantages to both consumers and merchants, may soon replace currency in many routine transactions. Widespread use of the electronic purse could, however, raise concerns about consumer protection and the safety and soundness of the instrument.
Journal Article
Bank branches in supermarkets
The largest U.S. commercial banks are restructuring their retail operations to reduce the cost disadvantage resulting from a stagnant deposit base and stiffer competition. As part of this effort, some banks are opening "supermarket," or "in-store," branches: a new type of banking office within a large retail outlet. An alternative to the traditional bank office, the supermarket branch enables banks to improve the efficiency of the branch network and offer greater convenience to customers.
Journal Article
Current labor market trends and inflation
Report
Excess capacity in insurance
Conference Paper
Federal Reserve operating procedures and institutional change
Journal Article
Paying electronic bill electronically
Electronic billing and payment systems are about to change the way many households pay their monthly bills. These systems are likely to increase consumer convenience and reduce billers' costs. Several factors, however, could slow down the widespread use of electronic billing and payments, including customer resistance to change, unequal access to technology, and consumer privacy concerns.