This comparative, international study looks at origins and business strategies of multinational banks. A distinguished team of bankers and academics from the United States, Japan, Europe and Australia survey the evolution of multinational banks over time and suggest a conceptual framework in which this development can be understood. In-depth analyses of the multinational banking strategies of selected countries and institutions lead from early nineteenth century on to late twentieth century developments and future trends in investment banking. The approach is interdisciplinary, with economists and business historians joining together to confront theory with facts. The findings presented in this major study will be of interest to scholars and professionals in international business, banking and finance, economists and business and economic historians.