🤖 AI Summary
This study examines how trade and financial openness affected operational efficiency and growth of Turkish banks during 2010–2023. Using a CAMELG-DEA framework to measure bank efficiency and dynamic panel GMM estimation, it integrates macro-level openness indicators with micro-level bank data. Results show that trade openness enhances operational efficiency primarily through expanded international banking activities, whereas financial openness stimulates credit expansion and non-interest income growth—but its impact is dampened by domestic poverty levels. The study provides the first empirical evidence from a developing economy distinguishing the heterogeneous transmission channels through which trade versus financial openness affect bank performance. It further identifies domestic institutional conditions—particularly poverty—as critical moderators of openness-related gains, thereby offering micro-level evidence to inform sequencing and complementary policy design for financial liberalization.
📝 Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between trade and financial openness, as well as the operational efficiency and growth of Turkish banks, from 2010 to 2023. Utilizing CAMELG-DEA and dynamic panel data analysis, the study finds that increased trade openness significantly enhances banking efficiency, primarily due to heightened demand for banking services related to international trade. Financial openness further boosts growth by facilitating capital flows, expanding banks' credit portfolios, and increasing fee income from cross-border transactions. However, poverty levels have a negative impact on bank performance, reducing financial intermediation and innovation opportunities. The results underscore the crucial role of trade and financial openness in fostering banking sector growth in developing economies.