The impact of banking market structure on SME development: evidence from Türkiye

Abstract

This thesis examines the influence of local banking structures on the opening, closing, and performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Türkiye. Specifically, it investigates the roles of state-owned, foreign, and domestic banks in facilitating the creation, growth, and survival of SMEs. The research draws on annual data from 2008 to 2022, combining banking statistics, firm performance indicators, and macroeconomic measures. The findings show that state-owned banks are particularly important in fostering the creation of new SMEs, as they provide favorable financing conditions. They also play a stabilizing role during economic downturns by supporting profitability when private banks may reduce lending. Domestic banks are linked to stronger sales growth, underscoring their role in SME expansion. By contrast, foreign banks have a weaker influence, particularly on profitability, and appear less supportive of smaller, locally oriented firms. These results highlight the crucial role of state-owned and domestic banks in promoting SME development, especially under conditions of economic uncertainty.