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Description
The aim of this study is to compare the organizational structures of the cooperative banking sector in Denmark, Finland, and Poland, as well as their role and importance in the banking systems of these countries. The research covered the changes and current organizational structure of the sector, the number of branches, their share in the banking sector, and the scope of their operations. Basic parameters describing the financial situation of these institutions were also analyzed. Attention was drawn to similarities and differences in the functioning of cooperative banks in these countries, which also have historical roots.
This study analyzes the cooperative banking sectors in the following countries: Denmark, Finland, and Poland, which are members of the European Association of Cooperative Banks (EACB). The selection criterion was based on the availability of detailed data on cooperative banks published by the EACB, with a temporal and spatial perspective. The analysis period covered the years 2014-2024. The empirical basis for the issues addressed in this study is a review of the relevant literature and a comparative analysis of the cooperative banking sector in these countries.
The findings from the study indicate differences in the organizational structure of the cooperative banking sector in Denmark, Finland, and Poland. Danish cooperative financial institutions do not form a single, distinct organizational structure, as is the case in Poland and Finland. The Polish cooperative banking sector, on the other hand, is more similar to the Finnish one, but less centralized and the scope of protection is significantly narrower. The consolidated nature of cooperative banks' operations in Finland ensures their operational stability, as evidenced by the low bankruptcy rate of entities associated with the OP Financial Group.
The financial situation of cooperative banks in Denmark and Finland is better than in Poland, which influences the role and importance these institutions play in the banking sector. This is evidenced by the increasing number of members and clients of cooperative banks in Finland and Denmark. Against this background, Polish cooperative institutions fare modestly. Their activities and activity are not as visible or significant. The share of Danish and Finnish cooperative banking institutions in the banking sector, measured by asset size and loan market share, is significantly higher than in Poland. Moreover, the disparities concern not only the size of assets but also their equity, which determines the potential of these institutions in the financial market and their potential for further development. On the other hand, the growth rate of assets and net profit in recent years has been higher in Poland than in Denmark and Finland.
