Analysing banks’ intermediation and operational performance using the Hicks–Moorsteen TFP index: The case of Iran

In order to analyse the impact of policy reforms on the performance of the banking sector in Iran we present a decomposition of the Hicks–Moorsteen Total Factor Productivity (TFP). This entails a comparison of both the intermediate and operating performances of different types of banks in the pre- and post-reform eras. Our results show that under the intermediation approach, state-owned banks (public banks) were considerably more efficient than private banks in the post-regulation period. In contrast, under the operating approach, private banks were fully technically efficient and mix efficient in both pre and post-reform eras. This paper highlights the importance of analysing performance from multiple perspectives. The findings reflect public banks’ mission to maximise loans to target groups while private banks are motivated more by financial profit.