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This paper aims to examine the efficiency of Islamic vs conventional banks in Malaysia by unveiling the traditional efficiency concept – black box – with a three-stage network structure of bank operations.

This paper applies data envelopment analysis (DEA) for examining bank efficiency. An adaptive three-step network DEA (NDEA) model is demonstrated for redefining the traditional black box of banking operations. Slack-based variable returns to scale approach is used. Data from all 43 commercial banks in Malaysia are examined over a six-year study period (2010-2015). Inputs and outputs of the model are selected based on CAMELS rating. Undesired output is also considered in time of examining bank efficiency in Malaysia.

The empirical results of this study signify that only a few banks in Malaysia have been performing well in converting deposits and equities into profit as well as minimizing loan loss provisions. Islamic banks in Malaysia have performed better both in production (converting deposits and equities into earning assets) and profitability (converting loans into net income). Conventional banks, however, have over scored in intermediation (converting earning assets into loans).

An adaptive NDEA approach proposed in this paper defines the core banking process instead of traditional approaches in examining bank efficiency based on individual functions (nodes in the network model). This approach has proven to provide better benchmark capacity.

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of remittance inflow on households’ savings behaviour in Bangladesh. Remittances are considered as the countercyclical flow of income for its recipient economies. It surges the liquidity of the households receiving remittances, allows them to endure local economic shocks and facilitates them to practice productive activities. Remittances often form a big pool of resources for investment which complement the national savings and support the country’s growth through higher rates of capital accumulation. Therefore, if a significant portion of the remittance is used for savings it can lead to prominent economic growth in the long term.

Existing literature indicates remittance-receiving households have a greater propensity to use remittance income to meet basic consumption. However, based on the survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics on remittances and household savings (SIR, 2016) and using the ordinary least square regression analysis method, to identify the connection between remittances and household’s saving (SIR, 2016) and using the ordinary least square regression analysis method, to identify the connection between remittances and household’s savings behaviour in Bangladesh.

The findings of this study represent remittances encourage households to pursue different kinds of savings in Bangladesh. Savings are made in the form of opening savings accounts, deposit pension scheme/fixed deposits/Bonds, insurance policies, also savings through non-governmental organizations, cooperative societies and savings at home. Other than remittances the demographic characteristics of the household head also influence the savings choices.

To enable the implementation of appropriate policies to boost savings, analysis from both perspectives; the household and the national level, requires strong vigilance and surveillance.