Provides current and background information on the financial centers of 17 Western European countries, and analyzes their banking and financial systems on a country-by-country basis. Examines the organization of each country's financial services, their legal and regulatory frameworks, and the ways in which the main financial centers interact. Deals with banking, insurance, the stock market, and the operation of the main stock exchange. Includes a directory of main professional and trade associations, financial organizations and regulatory authorities. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.