The Changing Financial Structure of the Commercial Banking Industry (1992-2004)

The consolidation trend experienced by the commercial banking industry over more than two decades has had a significant effect on the financial structure of these institutions. This study examines commercial bank balance sheets by various asset size institutions; identifies the changing patterns of assets, liabilities, and equity accounts for these banks. The most interesting findings have been the significant growth in residential real estate loans at larger banks, financed by relatively inexpensive money market deposits, and the fact that equity accounts of every asset category in these banks have expanded significantly, reflecting the growing financial strength of the industr