Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) and Bank Performance: A Study of the Indian Banks

Abstract

The present study examines the impact of the Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) on the performance of Indian commercial banks from 2010 to 2021. The study further investigates how the relationship between liquidity and performance varies under the influence of bank-specific factors such as ownership structure (Promoter vs. Institutional investors). Bank performance is evaluated using a two-fold approach—Profitability measures (NIMs and ROA) and NPA levels of banks. Using the Dynamic panel data regression technique, we find that the relationship between NSFR and NIMs is negative, implying that bank NIMs tend to decline as banks comply with NSFR regulation. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the inverse relationship between NSFR and bank NIMs becomes more profound when promoters’ stakes are high. Finally, the results highlight that for banks with higher institutional holdings, NPA levels witness an upward trend as the NSFR ratio increases. From a policy perspective, study results will help policymakers understand how changes in liquidity levels impact the wider banking sector and guide them on the overall direction in which to progress with the reforms.