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Independence in bank governance structure: Empirical evidence of effects on bank risk and performance

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  • Harkin, S.M.
  • Mare, D.S.
  • Crook, J.N.

Abstract

We investigate how different governance arrangements affect risk and return in banks. Using a new data set for UK banks over the period 2003–2012, we employ a simultaneous equations framework to control for the reciprocal relationship between risk and return. We show that separation of the roles of CEO and Chairman increases bank risk without causing a concurrent increase in return. We also find that oversight by a Remuneration Committee and Non-Executive Directors (NEDs) lowers the probability of bank failure, indicating that empowering an independent Chairman has different effects from empowering independent NEDs. Overall, our results underline the importance of accounting for the heterogeneity in corporate governance arrangements within banks.

Suggested Citation

  • Harkin, S.M. & Mare, D.S. & Crook, J.N., 2020. "Independence in bank governance structure: Empirical evidence of effects on bank risk and performance," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 52(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:riibaf:v:52:y:2020:i:c:s0275531919306415
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ribaf.2019.101177
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    Cited by:

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    3. Venturelli, Valeria & Pedrazzoli, Alessia & Pennetta, Daniela & Gualandri, Elisabetta, 2024. "Pinkwashing in the banking industry: The relevance of board characteristics," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 67(PB).
    4. Pejman Peykani & Mostafa Sargolzaei & Mohammad Hashem Botshekan & Camelia Oprean-Stan & Amir Takaloo, 2023. "Optimization of Asset and Liability Management of Banks with Minimum Possible Changes," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-24, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Bank; Risk; Performance; Ownership; Simultaneous equations;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C30 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - General
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance

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