Cost-to-income ratio of the banking industry in Malta 2014-2023, by quarter

As a key indicator of a bank's operating costs relative to its income, the cost-to-income ratio of the banking industry in Malta fluctuated significantly between 2014 and 2023. It reached its lowest point at 33.83 percent in the second quarter of 2016, indicating a period of low expenses. In contrast, it peaked at 65.61 percent in the second quarter of 2018. As of the fourth quarter of 2023, it stood at 46.57 percent. Despite being slightly higher than the previous quarter, it was significantly lower than the peak ratio observed during this period.