“…The CEE region includes countries that went through restructuring of the banking system at the end of the XX century. Depth and stability of financial system, structure of financial investments, technical efficiency of the banking sector, regulatory measures, loan growth, internationalization of the banking sector, ability of banks to overcome crises, and soundness of banks are at the core of studies (e.g., European Investment Bank, 2020; Kočenda & Iwasaki, 2020;Vunjak et al, 2020;Horvatova, 2018;Gallizo et al, 2017;Lapteacru, 2017;Iwanicz-Drozdowska & Witkowski, 2016;Jočiene, 2015;Nitoi & Spulbar, 2015;Li & Ferreira, 2011;ECFIN Economic Brief, 2010;EC Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affair, 2010;Brada et al, 2021;Agoraki & Kouretas, 2021). The characteristics of the banking sector in the CEE region are useful for understanding research results.…”