The Challenges of the Mutual Financial Sphere: Statutes to the Test Development

Abstract

Purpose – This chapter aims to show the similarities and differences that can be found in the destiny of cooperative banks and mutual insurance companies; these two industries, for reasons both similar and specific, are now “at a crossroads.” To reinforce this, we begin by tracing the history of cooperative banks and mutual insurance companies to better inform the future. Cooperative banks and mutual insurance gradually secularized and out of corporatism have patiently built-in different ways depending on the network as opposed to companies.

Results – This chapter will pursue these observations by identifying the impacts of recent crises in shaping business models by questioning a central issue which is that the trap values meet performance requirements in a fierce competition. Then, this chapter will end with the discussion on the main challenges faced by the mutual sphere; «She» should be replaced by «it». Could it exert a role in the crisis?

Citation

Roux, M. (2012), "The Challenges of the Mutual Financial Sphere: Statutes to the Test Development", Barnett, W.A. and Jawadi, F. (Ed.) Recent Developments in Alternative Finance: Empirical Assessments and Economic Implications (International Symposia in Economic Theory and Econometrics, Vol. 22), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 81-105. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1571-0386(2012)0000022010