Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have become a primary strategy in the consolidation of the global banking industry, including in Indonesia, to enhance operational efficiency, economies of scale, and competitiveness. However, empirical studies have produced mixed findings. Some studies report reductions in operational costs following mergers, while others indicate that efficiency gains are often delayed or even unrealized due to integration complexities, particularly in information technology, human resources, and organizational culture. This article aims to conduct a systematic literature review to analyze the impact of bank mergers on operational efficiency. By examining theories of economies of scale, X-efficiency, operational synergy, agency theory, and market power, the study finds that merger success is highly dependent on contextual and institutional conditions. Determining factors include the relative size of the merging banks, post-merger strategies, integration quality, and the regulatory and geographical environment. The main finding emphasizes that efficiency is not an automatic outcome of mergers, but rather the result of managerial decisions and organizational readiness. Therefore, this article recommends a longitudinal approach in future studies, along with stronger regulatory and managerial support during the post-merger integration process.
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