New Publication: Dr. Plamen Ivanov on the Finance–Space Nexus in Germany & the UK (QRFM)

We’re delighted to share that Dr. Plamen Ivanov, Director at the Association for Research on Banking and the Economy (ARBE), has a new article published in Qualitative Research in Financial Markets:

Title: Spatial Mapping of Banking Systems: Understanding the Finance–Space Nexus in Germany and the UK
Journal: Qualitative Research in Financial Markets (QRFM)
Link (abstract): https://www.emerald.com/qrfm/article-abstract/doi/10.1108/QRFM-01-2025-0006/1302539/Spatial-mapping-of-banking-systems-understanding

What the paper explores

  • Spatial structure of banking: How different banking architectures (e.g., decentralized vs. concentrated systems) are distributed across regions.
  • Institutional mechanics: The rules, incentives, and institutional histories behind regional financing patterns in Germany and the UK.
  • Policy implications: What this means for place-based development, community banking models, and the design of financial regulation that supports the real economy.

Why it matters

For ARBE, understanding the geography of finance is central to explaining why some regions prosper while others experience persistent underinvestment. Dr. Ivanov’s paper contributes evidence and a framework that policymakers, researchers, and practitioners can use to diagnose gaps and design more effective, locally grounded solutions.

How to access

  • Read the abstract via the journal link above.
  • Request a copy: If you’d like a personal copy, please contact Dr. Ivanov directly and he will be happy to share it.

About the author

Dr. Plamen Ivanov is a Director at ARBE. His work focuses on the institutional and spatial dimensions of money, banking, and credit allocation, bringing rigorous research to real-world policy and practice.

About ARBE

The Association for Research on Banking and the Economy (ARBE) advances evidence-based research on money, credit, and institutions—bridging academic insight and policy relevance.

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