Profit efficiency in U.S. BHCs: Effects of increasing non-traditional revenue sources

Abstract

Using information multiple times across revenue streams, BHCs may increase efficiency due to economies of scope. Our main contribution is to be the first to examine noninterest income after passage of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, when additional opportunities to increase noninterest income arise. We examine profit efficiency and its relationship to noninterest income for BHCs using stochastic frontier analysis and multivariate analysis on BHC data from 2003 to 2006. Contrary to our hypothesis, the results indicate multi-noninterest income types are associated with decreased profit efficiency. These results are robust using the Efficiency Ratio as our measure and are particularly strong for small BHCs.Financial Services Modernization Act Noninterest income Fees Bank efficiency Frontier analysis