Does Conversion Increase Deposit Funds in Islamic Banks in Indonesia? The Case of Bank of Aceh and Bank of NTB

This study examines the effect of the conversion strategy on deposit funds in converted banks. One of the concerns when converting to an Islamic bank is the transfer of customers to conventional banks. This condition underlies this research to be conducted. Using panel regression analysis, this study found a positive difference in the number of deposited funds after the conversion. This fact shows that the concern about transferring customers after the conversion has not been proven. There was an increase in deposit funds after the conversion strategy was carried out at the two converted banks. This finding has implications that the conversion strategy can be carried out at regional banks that have a small size and are supported by the local government and the people in the area. The findings of this study contribute significantly to the development of the Islamic banking industry in Indonesia that conversion to Islamic banking is an alternative corporate strategy besides spin-offs and mergers.