This paper examines the relation between competition in the banking sector and the financial stability on country level. Compared to previous research, it takes a different approach in that it uses realized systemic risk in the form of systemic banking crises instead of the total systemic risk. Theory provides us with two opposing theories regarding the role of competition on stability. Previous studies presented mixed results which leaves us with unresolved questions which this paper tries to answer. The results show that there is evidence for both views, but without giving an all comprehending answer.