The document provides an overview of the finance industry in Europe. It discusses how Europe has a well-developed financial sector concentrated in major cities like London. The introduction of the euro has made it easier for households and firms to invest across borders. The financial sector in Central and Eastern Europe is growing due to regional economic growth. European banks are among the largest in the world. The document then examines trends in the industry like deregulation, mergers and acquisitions, and the role of the European Union in facilitating cross-border expansion.