The Strategic Role of Local Banks’ Networks for Quality Standards of Bank Services for SMEs

In many countries the majority of banks is characterized by a local dimension, giving the important relationship with stakeholders perceivable on a local basis. However, the current concentration process of banking sector has gradually reduced local banks number leaving space and market to banks of greater dimensions. The morphological evolution has created a condition for which local banks’ role seems to be risky, as well as its positioning in bank market. Hence, it seems appropriate to investigate local banks corporate banking services, with specific reference to their services and quality performances, in order to verify if and to which extent they may promote or guarantee territorial competitiveness especially in context where SMEs have historically had strong relationships with banks of minor dimension. Starting from the relationship’s analysis between banks and enterprises, the contribution deepens quality standards and characteristics of corporate banking in specific territorial services, observing service’s traits and changes following the cited metamorphosis. In this sense, the paper suggests how a polycentric network of local banks may be an effective organizational solution capable of leveraging corporate banking services offered by local banks to the high standards of banks groups, strengthening service quality and banks performances for their stakeholders and clients benefits.