Iranian Journal of Finance

Abstract This empirical study investigates the impact of exchange rates on the financial soundness of Iranian banks from 1996 to 2023, utilizing financial soundness indicators, financial statement data, and macroeconomic variables. The selection of Iran is based on the significant role of exchange rate fluctuations in the financial soundness of its banking sector. Financial strategies and risk management adaptations are required as a result of these fluctuations, which have an impact on profitability, liquidity, and lending behavior. In contrast to the existing literature, which focuses on specific financial soundness indicators, this research establishes a composite metric informed by the International Monetary Fund's financial soundness indicators. This metric enables the analysis of exchange rate effects across a range of financial soundness levels. The study employs ARDL and quantile methodologies to investigate the differential effects on banks by their scale and the distinct impacts of official and unofficial exchange rates. The findings reveal intricate relationships, including inverse U-shaped dynamics between exchange rates and financial soundness through bank size, as well as varying effects across various quantiles of financial soundness. These insights provide crucial guidance for policymakers and financial institutions in stabilizing the banking sector in the face of economic uncertainties and underscore the necessity of customizing strategies to account for the bank size and the dynamics of exchange rates.

Abstract Several financial soundness frameworks, such as CAMELS, are currently present in the banking industry, but some evidence suggests that the present frameworks have inefficiencies in an Islamic banking environment. This study is aimed at identifying and prioritizing the adjusted financial soundness indicators in Iranian banks.
In this paper, the factors affecting financial soundness in banking industry were investigated and rated based on the viewpoints of 382 banking experts. Data gathering is done by designing a questionnaire. The research method is descriptive-correlation. For data analysis and the testing of the hypotheses, R-test software and confirmatory factor analysis have been used. TOPSIS method is used to rate the indicators from the points of view of senior banking managers. The findings showed capital adequacy, asset quality, profitability, liquidity, management quality, sensitivity to market risk, Islamic banking, corporate governance, and facilities with technical and economic backing affect the financial soundness of banks, while the liquidity and profitability indexes have the most impact.