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The Efficiency of Financial Holding Companies in Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Garam Ahn

    (KAIST College of Business)

  • Frederick Dongchuhl Oh

    (KAIST College of Business)

  • Junghum Park

    (University of Essex)

Abstract

This study uses data envelopment analysis to examine whether the government-driven policy of promoting the creation of financial holding companies enhances the productive efficiency of the Korean financial system. We find that financial holding company affiliation has no substantial effects on commercial banks, life insurance companies, and securities companies, regardless of whether or not the financial holding company is owned by the government. However, we find a positive association between the asset diversification of financial holding companies and the productive efficiencies of their affiliated commercial banks, indicating a possibility that financial holding companies can improve efficiency within creased diversification. Our results suggest that the Korean government’s policy of promoting the creation of financial holding companies should be reconsidered.

Suggested Citation

  • Garam Ahn & Frederick Dongchuhl Oh & Junghum Park, 2020. "The Efficiency of Financial Holding Companies in Korea," Korean Economic Review, Korean Economic Association, vol. 36, pages 29-58.
    • Handle: RePEc:kea:keappr:ker-20200101-36-1-02
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Financial Holding Company; Efficiency; Data Envelopment Analysis; Financial Institution; Diversification;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C14 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Econometric and Statistical Methods and Methodology: General - - - Semiparametric and Nonparametric Methods: General
    • C61 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Optimization Techniques; Programming Models; Dynamic Analysis
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies
    • G24 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Investment Banking; Venture Capital; Brokerage
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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