This paper brings to the forefront the assumptions that
we make when focussing on a particular type of
explanation for bank profitability. We evaluate a broad
field of research by introducing a general framework for
a profit maximizing bank and demonstrate how different
types of models can be fitted into this framework. Next,
we present an overview of the current major trends in
European banking and relate them to each model's
assumptions, thereby shedding light on the relevance,
timeliness and shelf life of the different models. pdf
available for download. 2004