Cooperative banks as a local initiator of economic development in Poland
2022
Nowacka, Anna
Although cooperative banks in Poland have a small share in the banking system, their competitive advantage lies in an extensive network of branches in rural areas and small towns. They aim at ensuring an access to financial services in poorly urbanised areas which are endangered with financial exclusion. The main aim of the present study is to identify these advantages and various aspects of activities conducted by cooperative banks that place them in a role of local initiators of economic development in Poland. The study includes a review of the literature on the subject, an analysis and synthesis of issues discussed, as well as an analysis of data from the reports of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (UKNF) and the National Association of Cooperative Banks (KZBS). The analysis of financial data covered the years 2016–2021 and was carried out with the use of structure and dynamics indicators. Cooperative banks stimulate local economic development through cooperation with local governments, offering preferential loans for farmers and family businesses. They also provide consulting services to various groups of clients. An important element of their activities resulting from their mission is pro-social activities which aim at educating and supporting local sport and cultural initiatives.
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