Risk-adjusted efficiency and innovation: an examination of systematic difference and convergence among BRIC banks

We argue that technological progress and technology diffusion is improving innovation the banking industry, leading to a potential steady-state equilibrium in operational efficiency and innovation across banks with similar characteristics. Using the latest meta-frontier method, this study examined BRIC banks during the period from 2000 to 2020. We found that Indian and Brazilian banks are more innovative in reducing costs, whereas Indian and Chinese banks are more cost efficient. Chinese, Russian, Indian, and Brazilian banks rank first to fourth in profit efficiency and profit-making innovation, respectively. Risk-taking boosts group cost and profit efficiencies and profit-making innovation but reduces cost-reducing innovation in each country. BRIC banks diverged in innovation during the analysis period but slowly converged after the 2008 crisis. Reform policies, adoption of production technology, formulating regulations and investing in human capital and technologies are crucial for less efficient and innovative banks to catch-up with frontier banks. •Study focused on BRIC banks (2000-2020) using the meta-frontier method.•Indian and Brazilian banks excelled in cost reduction innovation, while Indian and Chinese banks demonstrated higher cost-efficiency.•Chinese, Russian, Indian, and Brazilian banks ranked first to fourth, respectively, in profit efficiency and profit-making innovation.•Risk-taking positively affected group cost and profit efficiencies and profit-making innovation, but hindered cost-reducing innovation.•BRIC banks initially diverged in innovation but gradually converged after the 2008 crisis.