Bank size and financial risk exposure on financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya

Abstract

The performance of banks in Kenya has become a major concern for economics and policy makers dueto the role of banks remaining central in financing economic activities. The study sought to establish the effect of bank size and financial risk exposure on financial performance of commercial banks inKenya. The descriptive research design and a positivist approach were adopted. The Berger and Hannan approach was used to establish the relationship between bank size, financial risk exposure and the moderating effect of macroeconomic variable on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. Various diagnostic tests were carried out and the study data structure was panel hence Stata was employed to determine the relationship between the variables. In conclusion, banks need to grow bank sizes where they enjoy both economies of scale and scope. The Kenyan Treasury should design policies thatwould increase the capital size, liquidity requirements and deposit insurance premiums; this may assist in enlarging the size of banks to a level where they are fairly equal with none having relative market power to drive the market. Areas of further research may include but not limited to considering other variables besides the financial risk exposure and bank size in determining their effect on the financial performance of commercial banks in Kenya. The research may as well be done in the East African or African context. The further studies should seek to leverage on mixed research approaches thatutilize both quantitative and qualitative research.