The inadequacy of the dimension of assets to classify financial institutions: application to cooperative banks

In this research, a new approach for the classification of cooperative banks is presented by using a multi‐criteria analysis in order to combine financial and economic variables with social ones. Both type of variables are indispensable and can be joined due to the unique characteristics of these financial entities with social performance. The sample is formed with the cooperative banks registered in Spain. The results show a new ranking that allows us to study the existing relation between different variables of an entity and the fulfilment of its original social purpose, as a special type of banking activity. Furthermore, the obtained ranking supports the hypothesis that the concentration in this sector, due to the financial crisis from 2009 until now, has not followed economic or social criteria. Hence, there is a lack of homogeneity in its business model as we can see in the present situation. And this leads to the failure of some of these convergence processes that, in some cases, lead to an inevitable bankruptcy.