One of the notable characteristics of modern financial markets is the convergence among financial institutions, which until recently preformed different tasks. To this end, the present study explores the bank-insurance phenomenon in the Greek market. It focuses on the development of financial conglomerates in the region, while arguing that the phenomenon is not as new as one would expect. A variant of the bank-insurance approach to financial services seems to have dominated the Greek market for over a century. An analysis of recent developments is also presented, with the evidence indicating a trend towards multi-venture partnerships as well as active involvement of multinational enterprises.

Andreas Merikas, Sotiris K. Staikouras (2008). The Greek Bank-Insurance Model: A Look At A Not-So-New Corporate Structure, European Research Studies Journal Volume XI Issue 3, 25-34