'A powerful and persuasive case for the continuing importance of public banks. Economists and policymakers cannot afford to ignore this comprehensive, insightful and careful discussion of the experience of public banking in both developed and developing countries.'--Jayati Ghosh, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India'Wonderful and timely contribution. The turmoil in the global economy in the aftermath of the 2007 crisis underscored the need for financial institutions able to promote stable, sustainable and inclusive growth. This book highlights the potential unique contribution of public banks to that end. Rich and nuanced empirical work from Brazil, India and Germany is offered to support the argument. The authors go beyond ideological controversies to reveal with impeccable scholarship the important role of public banks as anchors of economic stability and development. The crucial need of governance mechanisms that guarantee accountability to the public also emerges from the reading.'--Mariano Laplane, Centre for Strategic Studies and Management, Brazil'The global financial crisis has shown the fragility of private banks. The question is whether public banks are the panacea contributing to a more sustainable financial system. The editors gathered many of the best analysts to critically examine this proposition. For this purpose, they use new interpretative theoretical insights to interrogate case studies from Brazil, Germany, and India to understand the role of public banks at different development stages. In a persuasive manner, the authors demonstrate the benefits of public banks, but at the same time point out that public banks are not immune to governance failures. Focusing on irresponsible management behavior is a much needed, and more nuanced, intervention in the sterile debate of private versus public banks.'--Brigitte Young, University of Muenster, Germany
