The financial system is critical for a modern, market-based economy. This course will provide a detailed analysis in the economics of the banking industry to assess and participate in the evidence-based policy debate on financial sector reform and innovations such as fintech. The main topics are (1) the economic role of financial intermediaries, with an emphasis on commercial banks; (2) the evolution of markets in which banks and other financial intermediaries operate; (3) the regulation of commercial banks and other financial institutions.