Determinants of Islamic bank profitability in the MENA region

This paper examines the determinants of Islamic bank profitability in the MENA region, during the years 1999-2006. We estimate several specifications to study the impact of bank-specific and country-specific variables, including macro-economic conditions, market structure and institutional development, on bank profitability. The results provide evidence suggesting that capitalisation and management efficiency enhance bank profitability. The results also indicate that bank profitability is positively associated with, economic growth, inflation and bank concentration. We also show that Islamic bank profitability is higher in countries with better socio-economic conditions and better legal systems.