Moderating effect of bank size on the relationship between financial soundness and financial performance

Abstract

PurposeThis study analyzed the moderating effect of bank size on the relationship between financial soundness and financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed data from 39 commercial banks for ten years from 2009 to 2018. Panel data regression model was used to analyze data.FindingsThe study results established a negative moderating effect of bank size on the relationship between commercial banks' financial soundness and net interest margin (NIM) and return on assets (ROA) with the results indicating a correlation coefficient of −0.1699 and −0.218, respectively. However, an absence of moderating effect was established when return on equity (ROE) was used as a measure of financial performance.Practical implicationsThe paper finding recommends that banks' management and other policy makers should consider the effect of bank size while devising financial soundness policies to ensure optimal level of banks' financial soundness aimed at improving banks' financial performance. In addition, bankers associations should come up with policies to standardize asset quality management practices to ensure continuous positive performance of the banking sector.Originality/valueThe study shows the contribution and applicability of the theory of production in the banking sector.