Global Banking and Global Stability: Geofragmentation, Climate, and Intersecting Crises

Global banks remain central to the functioning of the global system, not only in economic and financial terms, but also in geopolitical, legal, and climate-related domains. While the Global Financial Crisis triggered a wave of regulatory reforms and fundamental changes to these institutions’ business models, global banks continue to shape international financial stability, cross-border flows, and broader structures of global governance and climate finance.

Basel III and other financial regulations strengthened leverage and liquidity requirements for global systemically important banks (G-SIBs). Over the same period, bond markets and non-bank financial institutions expanded their role in cross-border finance, overtaking traditional banking channels. These transformations have raised questions about whether global banks have become less central to global economic dynamics and to the functioning of global stability. What are the implications of these changes? Are these institutions still globally systemic? Has regulation succeeded in reducing the global risks associated with global banking? These transformations took place during a period of polycrisis, in which global banks have remained central to geopolitical stability due to their role in implementing international sanctions, influencing foreign policy, and shaping global governance through financial regulations and standards. Their networks facilitate or restrict financial flows, significantly impacting international relations and diplomatic engagements. Legally, global banks are key actors in the compliance and enforcement of international financial standards, anti-money laundering frameworks, and cross-border financial regulation, reinforcing international law and accountability mechanisms. In climate finance, global banks critically influence funding availability, investments in sustainable infrastructure, and the global transition to greener economies.

This workshop aims to share the latest contributions, explore key knowledge gaps, and define the future research agenda on the role of global banks in the international financial system and their impact on global stability. The workshop will feature presentations by both young and senior scholars on the role of these financial institutions from diverse perspectives, enhance interdisciplinary engagement, and support the development of collaborative networks. It will provide a platform for critical dialogue, examining the evolving role of global banks within the intersecting financial, climate, and geopolitical crises that define today’s polycrisis context, as well as the business, regulatory, and legal interventions aimed at increasing the system’s resilience to these challenges.

The event is organised by the YSI Financial Stability Working Group and the Economics Department of the Leeds University Business School, with funding from YSI and the Polycrisis Network (https://www.polycrisis.network/).

We welcome submissions examining the global implications of global banking from any disciplinary perspective. Please submit an abstract (300–750 words) using the “Apply Now!” button above by 27 August 2025. We accept applications on a rolling basis and aim to inform applicants whether they are accepted as soon as possible. Full papers are welcome but not mandatory. YSI will provide partial travel stipends and accommodation for selected Young Scholars presenting at the event. The workshop will also be open to scholars wishing to participate as attendees without applying for funding; we kindly ask all attendees to register using the Apply Now button.