ANALYZING BANKS’ PERFORMANCE DURING THE RECENT BREAKDOWNS. WHAT WERE THE MAIN DRIVERS?

We observe the main efficiency drivers of European Banking Groups after the burst of the Global Financial Crisis. This analysis is a live issue within the studies in the field of intermediation. The observed period (2010–2021) is emblematic of the complexity of the financial market in the last two decades. The efficiency levels derive from a stochastic frontier approach; a k-means cluster analysis distinguishes the units into three homogeneous groups, so that the main determinants of the higher level of efficiency can be identified. They are linked to a particular business model, specific managerial choices, costs rationalization and liquidity optimization.