Islamic and Conventional Banking Systems in the Middle East and Northern Africa region (2012-2021)

Abstract: The health of the financial system has vital influence on the economic growth and development of a country. Banking systems are a key component of the financial systems and therefore, the economic importance of banks should never be underestimated. However, it is not just the financial performance of these banks that determines their success in the economic arena but also, their resilience levels. This study looks at Islamic banks and conventional banks in the Middle East and Northern Africa region to better understand (1) how and if these systems differ regarding financial performance and resilience and (2) what some of the key determinants are (both internal and external) of financial performance and resilience in the region. This study looks at 67 banks over the time 2012-2021. Several quantitative techniques including, a Manova test, logistic regressions, pooled OLS regressions and random effects models are used to differentiate between the two banking systems as well as to understand what factors determine financial performance and resilience overall. The study finds that there is no differentiation between Islamic and Conventional banks both in terms of performance and resilience. However, there are other internal and external factors that do have a statistically significant impact in determining both financial performance and resilience, respectively. Furthermore, this study finds that resilience is a key determinant of financial performance however, the causal relationship does not work the same way when reversed.