The new book by the assistant professor of Law at the University of Thessaloniki, S. Psychomanis, titled "Banking Activities of Questionable Legitimacy," strikes at the heart of the matter. Highly relevant, it probes and criticizes reckless behaviors within banking circles that create major social and economic problems.

It also offers solutions by indicating lawful and ethical banking activities, through which both private and public interests can be well served. The study is primarily legal in nature. However, it brings forth a strong social concern around the perceptions and practices of globalization in the banking sector and the abuses of the free banking market.

From these pages, legal professionals will draw valuable new interpretative arguments. Borrowers, traders, and consumers will find answers to pressing issues in their relations with banks. Policymakers and supervisors in the banking system will understand the necessity and method for exercising their duties more effectively.

The banks themselves will be able to undertake the required self-criticism and correct their course, their ways of operation, and their objectives, shaking off the opportunistic, shortsighted, and unjust policies of some of their newly appointed financial executives for the benefit of themselves and our national economy.