The X-Efficiency of Commercial Banks in Hong Kong

This paper uses the stochastic econometric cost frontier approach to investigate the cost efficiency of commercial banks in Hong Kong. On average, the X-efficiency of Hong Kong banks is found to be about 16 to 30 percent of observed total costs, which is comparable to the findings in the U.S. banking industry. X-efficiency is found to decline over time, indicating that banks in Hong Kong are now operating closer to the cost frontier than before. This is consistent with technological innovation that might have occurred in the Hong Kong banking industry. Furthermore, the average large bank in Hong Kong is found to be less efficient than the average small bank, particularly during the earlier time periods. Finally, X-efficiency is found to be related to certain bank characteristics. Specifically, X-efficiency is found to decline with bank size, deposit-to-asset ratio, loan-to-asset ratios, provision for loan loss, and loan growth, and to increase with off-balance sheet activities.