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Scale effects on efficiency and profitability in the Swiss banking sector

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  • Marc Blatter
  • Andreas Fuster

Abstract

This paper analyzes efficiency and profitability in the Swiss banking sector over the period 1997-2019. We find strong evidence for scale economies: for most banks in the sample, efficiency and profitability increase with bank size. Using an instrumental variables strategy for a subset of geographically restrained banks, we find that the effect of size on efficiency and profitability is likely causal. Scale economies have been more pronounced since 2010 than in the years prior to the global financial crisis. There is little evidence for scale economies for the largest (systemically important) banks; their relatively lower efficiency and lower profitability appear driven by certain aspects of their business model. Our results further indicate that good capitalization and high efficiency and profitability are compatible.

Suggested Citation

  • Marc Blatter & Andreas Fuster, 2021. "Scale effects on efficiency and profitability in the Swiss banking sector," Working Papers 2021-15, Swiss National Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:snb:snbwpa:2021-15
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    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation

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