Determinants and convergence of income diversification in Ghanaian banks

Abstract

The study explores the determinants of income diversification, as well as, test for the existence of beta-convergence and sigma-convergence among Ghanaian banks. The study utilizes a dataset of 32 banks covering the periods 2000 to 2017. The panel corrected standard error ordinary least squares, fixed effects and system generalized methods of moments have been used. Both beta-convergence and sigma-convergence exist among Ghanaian banks; suggesting the presence of the catch-up effect and similarity of strategy over time. The risk profile and risk portfolio of banks affect their diversification strategy. Banks that are faced with high insolvency risk and liquidity risk tend to diversify while banks that are faced with low credit risk tend to diversify. Stable banks tend to adopt a diversification strategy even when they are exposed to credit risk. Network embeddedness drives diversification strategy. The implications of the study for practice, policy, and future research have been discussed.