Determinants of Profitability in Private Commercial Banks of Bangladesh: A Panel Data Analysis of Bank Specific Factors

Abstract

This study investigates the internal determinants of profitability among private commercial banks in Bangladesh, with a particular focus on Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE) as key performance indicators. Given the critical role these banks play in channeling financial resources and supporting economic development, understanding the factors that drive their profitability is essential for ensuring financial system stability in a developing economy like Bangladesh. By analyzing various financial ratios and internal bank-specific factors, the study aims to identify how internal management decisions and financial structures influence profitability. Using panel data analysis covering multiple fiscal years and a representative sample of private commercial banks, the study explores how differences in internal financial strategies and resource allocations impact profitability. The findings suggest that capital adequacy and operational efficiency play a crucial role in enhancing bank profitability. Specifically, banks with a stronger capital base and more efficient use of their operating resources tend to achieve better returns on equity. In contrast, higher levels of equity capital relative to total assets and an increased burden of non-performing loans are found to negatively impact equity profitability, reflecting the detrimental effects of excessive funding costs and poor asset quality. Regarding asset-based returns, the study highlights the significant influence of loan loss provisions, which negatively affect profitability by indicating credit risk and loan quality issues. Operational efficiency again emerges as a strong positive determinant, reinforcing the importance of cost-effective management. The loan-to-deposit ratio also shows a positive impact on ROA, suggesting effective fund utilization, while a higher cost-to-income ratio exerts a negative influence, indicating that banks with high operating costs relative to income tend to underperform. Overall, the study provides valuable insights for bank managers and policymakers. It emphasizes the importance of strengthening capital adequacy, managing credit risk, improving operational efficiency, and optimizing cost structures to sustain profitability in a competitive banking environment. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of bank performance dynamics within the context of a developing economy like Bangladesh