Patterns in the expansion of US banks' foreign operations

Combining foreign direct investment theory with data on 32 countries from the Federal Reserve Board, we examined U.S. banks' patterns of foreign operations, including their levels of banking services and choice of organizational forms in host countries. Results generally supported predictions, but only in developed countries. The lack of support in rapidly growing markets of Asia and Latin America raises serious theoretical concerns, and presents fresh research opportunities into the global banking industry.