Changes in the Financial System of Vas County at the Beginning of the 20th Century
Abstract
The purpose of the study. To showcase the growth of the region’s savings banks network during
the period of Hungary’s capitalist development between the turn of the century and the World
War I.
Applied methods. Primarily data published in the financial almanac ‘Magyar Compass’
and newspaper articles of the time were sourced for the purposes of the study. Of financial
indicators, balance sheet total and aggregate cash turnover figures were used. The study presents
the accessible data of all the savings banks in operation at the time.
Outcomes. By the end of 1912, various types of financial services had already been available
in 28 Vas County settlements with 53 savings banks operating in the county. Their number
was augmented by five branches and two affiliates. The savings banks furthermore established
17 disbursement points. This network of financial institutions was complemented by the
Austro-Hungarian Bank (Osztrák-Magyar Bank, OMB) and two discount houses operating
in Szombathely. The market district of Szombathely covered the whole county. While several
larger microregional money markets were created, significant amounts were repatriated by
Hungarians emigrating to America. Amidst all these changes, two banks’ bankruptcies made
it known nationwide that the development of the local financial network was not without its
failures.
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