AN ANALYSIS OF UNIVERSAL BANKING AND ITS IMPLICATION ON THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

According to Akngbola (2000:7) there is no gain saying that the concept of universal banking has gained more currency that any other issue and has also shot up to the front burner of national economic discourse particularly in banking circle in the last one decade exigencies market dynamics and trends in international money market has led to the approval and re-examination of the of the structure scope functions of banking institutions in the country.

Okehi (2000:16) however went further to say what until about a decade ago, no definite well assembled and articulated positions were made for universal banking due largely to the prevalence of conducive macro- economic environment for the continued demarcation of the functions of retail and investment banks, however the faltering of the economic attendant inclement operating environment for banks. The perceived absence of a level playing field between retail and investment banks and the recent harmonization of the equity of all banks have collectively awoken and driven the present call for the establishment of a new banking order where all banks are treated as equal.

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

As Okoro (200:2) observed through the knowledge of the principle and guide lines of economic policies clear evaluation of their implication are most fundamental to their successful implementation and operation. This basic truth also hold true for the banking industry unfortunately the implication of these policies on the economy are not always evaluated before being implemented. The out come of such carefree attitude have also spelt disaster on the economy.

In view of the above this study therefore seeks to investigate the implication of universal banking introduced by CBN. The study will address the problem by attempting to answer some questions as will be seen in this study