The risk-capital-efficiency trilogy A comparative study between Islamic and conventional banks

Purpose - Based on a matched sample of 34 Islamic banks and 89 conventional ones, the purpose of this paper is to analyze and compare the risk-capital-efficiency interconnection. Design/methodology/approach - Based on the triple square model (3SLS), two major risk measures have been accounted for, namely, the ratio of non-performing loans to total loans (credit risk) and the z-score indicator (risk insolvency). In addition, certain bank-specific factors as well as macroeconomic ones have also been considered in the model. Findings - The reached results appear to reveal that the best capitalized Western banks turn out to be more engaged in an excessive risk-taking behavior, resulting in increased toxic-loan ratios and, simultaneously, a rather shaken stability. Concerning Islamic banks, cost efficiency has proven to have a negative and significant effect on NPLs. However, the capital, technical efficiency, competitiveness and macroeconomic factors turn out to have a significant and positive effect on Islamic banks' insolvency risk, thus helping promote these banks' stability. Originality/value - In addition to the enrichment of literature regarding dual-banking systems, the authors hope the present work would provide a modest contribution to the regulators belonging to the MENA region and Asia with useful results. In particular, the authors recommend developing some management and monitoring tools whereby the risk-taking behavior of highly capitalized conventional banks could be moderated. As a matter of fact, special attention should be paid to the agency problems prevalent within Islamic financial institutions, particularly the best capitalized ones.