Asset diversification and bank performance: Evidence from three Asian countries with a dual banking system

This study examines the effect of asset diversification on bank performance in three Asian countries with a dual banking system from 2006 to 2012. We find that diversification generally has a negative effect on the performance of conventional banks, but a minimal effect on that of Islamic banks. Considering bank size, diversification positively affects the profitability of large Islamic and conventional banks, and such a positive effect is more pronounced among Islamic banks.