Despite the theoretical possibility of capital being sent over vast distances to other parts of the world, much capital remained local. Creditors and banks often preferred to do business with known borrowers, and where local jurisdictions could settle any disputes.
但金本位——以及其他大型共同货币区——的历史要复杂得多。尽管从理论上说，资本可以到达世界上任何一个偏远角落，但实际上，有大量资本只是在本地活动。债权人和银行总是偏好于和认识的借款人打交道，也偏爱地方法院能够解决纠纷的地区。