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Who Said Large Banks Don't Experience Scale Economies? Evidence from a Risk-Return-Driven Cost Function

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  • Hughes, Joseph P.

    (Rutgers University)

  • Mester, Loretta J.

    (Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and University of PA)

Abstract

Earlier studies found little evidence of scale economies at large banks; later studies using data from the 1990s uncovered such evidence, providing a rationale for very large banks seen worldwide. Using more recent data, we estimate scale economies using two production models. The standard risk-neutral model finds little evidence of scale economies. The model using more general risk preferences and endogenous risk-taking finds large scale economies. We show that these economies are not driven by too-big-to-fail considerations. We evaluate the cost implications of breaking up the largest banks into banks of smaller size.

Suggested Citation

  • Hughes, Joseph P. & Mester, Loretta J., 2011. "Who Said Large Banks Don't Experience Scale Economies? Evidence from a Risk-Return-Driven Cost Function," Working Papers 11-47, University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School, Weiss Center.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecl:upafin:11-47
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D20 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - General
    • D21 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Theory
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production

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