The Relative Efficiency of Saudi Banks: Data Envelopment Analysis Models

The purpose of this study is to measure the relative efficiency of banks in Saudi Arabia using a basic DEA models like CCR and BCR. Also, it investigated the determinants of such efficiency in terms of bank size and capitalization. The duration of the measured performance of the Saudi banking sector is (2007-2011). The results indicate that, on a relative scale, Saudi banks were efficient in the management of their financial resources. In addition, it was found that efficiency score of the selected banks is high and stable over time and the management of the banks consistently improved their efficiency during the period. Another important result is that the relative efficiency of Saudi smaller banks significantly outperforms much better than medium and larger size banks. However, banks with higher capital adequacy ratio are less efficient. Thus, banks in Saudi Arabia with higher capital adequacy ratio are less risky, managing safer and lower-earning portfolios. This study provides a starting point for further investigation and validation into the efficiency of the Saudi banking sector; also it can provide important information for policy makers as for the openness of Saudi new banks. Therefore, more investigation with alternative models are required.