Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/249559 
Authors: 
Year of Publication: 
2022
Series/Report no.: 
KBA Centre for Research on Financial Markets and Policy Working Paper Series No. 59
Publisher: 
Kenya Bankers Association (KBA), Nairobi
Abstract: 
This paper uses annual data from Kenyan banks over the 2010-2020 period to empirically analyze the link between diversification (non-interest income) and bank performance. Using dynamic panel regressions, the study finds that banks which diversify (functionally) their sources of revenues tend to be more profitable and financially stable. Importantly, the study finds that reliance on non-interest revenue sources acts as an economically important shock absorber in times of declining profits such as witnessed in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. From a policy perspective, these results encourage banks to leverage on new technologies to create non-traditional products whose operating marginal costs are small. This also calls for regulators to remain open to such innovations.
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size
327.79 kB





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.