Developing a Macro-segmentation Model at Industry Level: Iranian Banking Industry

Drastic changes and turbulence in macro-economic factors have the greatest impact on banks target market attractiveness in Iran. It is assumed that conventional segmentation models at the corporate level are not efficient for banking system. This study aims to develop a new segmentation model at the industry level for banks of Iran. For this purpose, structures and variables at the industry level were identified and defined by reviewing the literature and with the help of bank experts in focus group sessions. Then, data of ISIC 3-digit factories with 50 and more employees were extracted from Iran Statistic Center and Tehran Stock Exchange databases during 2005-2013. We used Hierarchical Cluster analysis in each year and identified 4 study groups across 9 years. We found that identified groups are significantly different regarding industry size, deposit and loan market size, industry growth, deposit and loan market growth, profitability, investment risk, and transaction with other industries.  Keywords: Macro-segmentation, Manufacturing Industries, Segmentation based on industries, Hierarchical Clustering, Banking. JEL Classification: E44, G21, L60, M31, C67, C82